Special counsel Jack Smith and his team to resign before Trump takes office
NBCNov 14
Judge Grants Smith's Request to Drop Trump Charges
Above: Special Counsel Jack Smith Image copyright: Drew Angerer/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday dismissed "without prejudice" special counsel Jack Smith's election interference case against Pres.-elect Donald Trump related to attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Earlier Monday, in a six-page filing, Smith sought the dismissal of the case, writing that the Dept. of Justice's (DOJ) position is "that the Constitution requires" the case be "dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." Smith 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.
