Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Trump Over 2020 Election Interference and Classified Documents
In a major development, U.S. special prosecutors have requested the court to dismiss two criminal cases against former President Donald Trump. The cases include allegations of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and mishandling classified documents, according to the court filing.
The six-page motion to dismiss the 2020 election interference case states that while Trump is no longer president, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel—tasked with providing internal legal guidance—advised prosecutors to drop the case before his inauguration in January. This was first reported by The Guardian.
“The Department of Justice has long held the position that the U.S. Constitution prohibits the filing of federal charges and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting president. This prohibition is categorical and applies regardless of the seriousness of the offense, the strength of the government’s evidence, or the merits of the prosecution, all of which the government fully supports,” wrote Chief Deputy Special Counsel Molly Gaston in the filing.
This move by prosecutors has sparked widespread debate among legal experts and political commentators, with many questioning the implications for accountability and justice in high-profile cases involving public officials.
As Trump prepares for another presidential run in 2024, the dismissal of these charges is expected to become a central topic in his campaign, further polarizing voters.