Special counsel seeks dismissal of Trump election case
Special counsel Jack Smith has formally requested the dismissal of the federal indictment against President-elect Donald Trump, which accused him of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The move, made in a Washington court filing on Monday, reflects the Justice Department’s policy that sitting presidents cannot face prosecution.
In his filing, Mr Smith acknowledged that the two-year legal battle against Mr Trump must now end as the president-elect prepares to take office in January.
He noted that the department’s long-standing interpretation of the Constitution prohibits criminal proceedings against a sitting president, regardless of the severity of the allegations.
“This policy is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution,” Mr Smith wrote.
The decision effectively halts efforts to hold Mr Trump accountable for what prosecutors had described as a wide-ranging scheme to subvert the democratic process.
However, the dismissal is “without prejudice,” leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled after Mr Trump leaves office.
The indictment, brought in August 2023, was one of several legal challenges Mr Trump has faced during his political career.
It alleged that he orchestrated a plot to remain in power despite his 2020 election loss, including pressuring officials to reject electoral votes and promoting baseless claims of voter fraud.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Lagos security trust fund postpones town hall meeting
A statement on Tuesday by Abdurrazaq Balogun, its executive secretary, said the meeting, which would focus on security, is now to be held on December 18.
Economy
Tinubu’s govt claims Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.4% despite rising inflation, poverty
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has claimed that the Nigerian economy witnessed growth despite galloping inflation and monumental poverty in the country
Politics
Security has improved significantly in Benue, says Gov Alia’s adviser
Solomon Iorpev, a technical adviser to the Benue governor, says the security of lives and property has significantly improved in the state.
Education
Reps committee lauds NELFUND’s performance in loan distribution
The House Committee on Student Loans and Higher Education Financing has lauded the performance of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
States
No part of Abia will be left to criminals: Official
Information commissioner Okey Kanu says the Abia government “will not yield any part” of the state to criminals.”
States
Deputy speaker solicits stakeholders’ intervention in South-East humanitarian crisis
Mr Kalu, who made the call on Monday at a roundtable with some International NGOs in Abuja, said that the South-East was facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
