Jack Smith drops all charges against Trump after election victory

Special counsel Jack Smith filed motions on November 25, 2024, to dismiss all federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump — both the classified documents case and the January 6 election interference case — citing the longstanding Department of Justice policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Smith sought dismissal without prejudice, preserving the theoretical ability to refile charges after Trump leaves office. The classified documents case was dismissed before trial despite 37 counts and extensive evidence; co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira remained subject to prosecution. Smith released a final report on his investigation that Judge Aileen Cannon blocked from public release in the documents case.