Florida Judge Dismisses Classified Documents Case Against Trump
In a significant legal victory for former President Donald Trump, a Florida judge has dismissed the U.S. Justice Department’s classified documents case against him. This decision comes just days after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Judge Aileen Cannon granted Trump’s motion to dismiss the case, citing that the Justice Department’s appointment of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith violated the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Trump, who pleaded not guilty to several charges, faced accusations related to the willful retention of national defense information.
In her 93-page order, Judge Cannon stated, “The Court is convinced that Special Counsel Smith’s prosecution of this action breaches two structural cornerstones of our constitutional scheme—the role of Congress in the appointment of constitutional officers, and the role of Congress in authorizing expenditures by law.”
The indictment, consisting of 37 counts, accused Trump of retaining classified files at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and lying to investigators. These files were reportedly found in various locations, including a shower and storage room, after Trump left office in 2021. The indictment also alleged that Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation.
Trump was charged alongside his aide Walt Nauta and former employee Carlos de Oliveira, both of whom also pleaded not guilty.
Attorney General Merrick Garland had appointed Jack Smith in 2022 to oversee two federal investigations into Trump. However, Judge Cannon’s ruling specifically applies to the classified documents case and not the second investigation regarding Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump’s legal team has not requested a dismissal of that case.
Judge Cannon’s decision to dismiss the case is a departure from rulings by other U.S. courts that have upheld the legality of specially appointed prosecutors. Her ruling aligns with theories advanced by conservative legal scholars and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Thomas recently questioned the legal basis for naming special counsel in a concurring opinion in a Supreme Court case regarding presidential immunity.
The legal community has been divided over the strengths and weaknesses of the two federal criminal cases brought by Special Counsel Smith. Judge Cannon’s ruling has intensified this debate, especially concerning the constitutional arguments about the appointment and funding of special counsels.
This dismissal marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s ongoing legal battles. While the federal classified documents case has been dismissed, Trump still faces other significant legal challenges. The decision underscores the complex and contentious nature of legal proceedings involving a former U.S. president.