The federal judge presiding over the classified documents case of former President Donald Trump in Florida has dismissed the prosecution because of concerns over the appointment of the prosecutor who brought the case. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted the defense motion to dismiss the case on Monday. Lawyers for Trump had argued that special counsel Jack Smith was illicitly appointed and that his office was improperly funded by the Justice Department.
Quick Read
Key Points on the Dismissal of Trump’s Classified Documents Case
- Case Dismissed: The federal judge presiding over Trump’s classified documents case in Florida has dismissed the prosecution.
- Judge’s Decision: U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted the defense’s motion to dismiss the case.
- Defense Argument: Trump’s lawyers argued that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed and that his office was improperly funded by the Justice Department.
- No Immediate Comments: A spokesperson for Jack Smith and a lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Associated Press has the story:
Judge dismisses Trump classified docs case over concerns with prosecutor’s appointment
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
The federal judge presiding over the classified documents case of former President Donald Trump in Florida has dismissed the prosecution because of concerns over the appointment of the prosecutor who brought the case.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted the defense motion to dismiss the case on Monday.
Lawyers for Trump had argued that special counsel Jack Smith was illicitly appointed and that his office was improperly funded by the Justice Department.
Cannon, whose handling of the case had drawn scrutiny since before the charges were even filed, agreed, writing in a 93-page order: “The Framers gave Congress a pivotal role in the appointment of principal and inferior officers. That role cannot be usurped by the Executive Branch or diffused elsewhere — whether in this case or in another case, whether in times of heightened national need or not.”
Smith’s team had vigorously contested the argument during hearings before Cannon last month and told Cannon that even if ruled in the defense team’s favor, the proper correction would not be to dismiss the entire case.
A spokesperson for Smith and a lawyer for Trump didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
