Donald Trump, who has been accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election, is now likely to have some of his legal cases dropped because he is set to return as U.S. president.
Special counsel Jack Smith asked a judge to dismiss Trump’s federal election interference case, citing a U.S. Justice Department rule that prevents prosecuting a sitting president.
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges earlier, will take office on January 20, 2025, after winning the 2024 election. BBC explained this rule protects presidents from legal action while in office.
Smith emphasized that his decision to drop the case wasn’t about the strength of the evidence but followed the law. Trump’s team called this move a “huge victory” for justice and claimed it reflects the will of the voters who re-elected him.
A Trump spokesperson added that Americans want an end to “political attacks” on the former president and hope for national unity.
BBC also noted that this case was part of a long legal fight. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump couldn’t be charged for official acts done while he was president.
Smith then argued that Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election were campaign-related, not official duties. However, Trump’s return to power complicates this argument, leaving the case unresolved.
Other legal cases against Trump are also in limbo. For example, a New York criminal conviction has been delayed, and a federal case about classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort may be dismissed too. BBC shared insights from legal experts who agree that sitting presidents are shielded from prosecution, giving Trump significant legal protection.
Still, Trump faces state charges in Georgia for interfering with election results there. BBC explained that delays in that case are due to court reviews about whether the prosecutor, Fani Willis, can stay on the case despite past ties with another prosecutor.
This legal situation highlights how Trump’s presidency impacts his court battles.
BBC pointed out that while his legal troubles seem to vanish as he reclaims office, these cases reveal ongoing challenges in the U.S. legal and political system.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gvd7kxxj5o