Special counsel Jack Smith and his team to resign before Trump takes office
NBCNov 12
Smith Drops Trump Election Interference Charges
story
Above: Special Prosecutor Jack Smith addresses reporters after his grand jury issued indictments of Donald Trump in Washington, DC on Aug 1., 2024. Image copyright: Bill O'Leary/Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Facts
Special counsel Jack Smith on Monday in a filing to a federal judge requested that election interference charges stemming from attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election be dropped against Pres.-elect Donald Trump.
In a six-page filing, Smith explained to US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan that the Dept. of Justice's (DOJ) position is "that the Constitution requires" the case be "dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." He added, "this outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against" Trump.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Smith dropping this case is in no way an exoneration of Trump — it's just the result of Smith being caught between upholding the rule of law and adhering to a policy of not pursuing charges against a sitting president. Even as he faced these charges from Smith, Trump continued spreading lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him. It's unfortunate Trump won't even face trial for his undemocratic actions.
Republican narrative
The Democrats' lawfare against Trump has failed. These politically motivated cases were used as a form of election interference to try to prevent Trump's return from the White House — and now he'll be taking the oath of office next month. Although he's dropped the charges, Smith shouldn't be exonerated from facing consequences for conjuring up these preposterous cases. A full investigation must be carried out.
