Jack Smith Appeals Trump Classified Docs Case Dismissal

Above: Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks at the Justice Department on Aug. 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Alex Wong/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Special Counsel Jack Smith on Wednesday filed an appeal of federal Judge Aileen Cannon's decision to dismiss the government's classified documents case against former Pres. Donald Trump.

  • Cannon tossed out the case — which claims Trump mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House — on Monday, ruling that the appointment and funding of Smith was unconstitutional.


The Spin

Democratic narrative

Jack Smith is 100% justified in appealing Judge Cannon's politically biased decision to dismiss Trump's documents case. As a Trump appointee, Cannon has done little to hide her partisan leanings, and she has subverted Smith's prosecution every step of the way. Like far-right Supreme Court justices, Cannon put politics above the law, and Smith has a duty to ensure that a fair court hears his case.

Republican narrative

The Justice Dept. has no limits on how far it will go to weaponize the system against Trump, and Jack Smith has shown that nothing will stop his effort to divide America. After the Supreme Court's immunity ruling and Judge Cannon's dismissal of the case, Smith should drop the politically motivated case. But even after an attempt on Trump's life, he still wants to target the presidential frontrunner. It's time to end this destructive weaponization.


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