This story at a glance…

1. Federal charges against Trump were dismissed due to DOJ policy shielding sitting presidents.

2. The cases involved election interference and classified documents.

3. State-level prosecutions in New York and Georgia remain unresolved.

4. Special Counsel Jack Smith will step down after the investigations cost over $35 million.

Special Counsel Drops Federal Prosecutions of Trump 

Special Counsel Jack Smith has formally moved to dismiss two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, citing a Justice Department policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president. These cases included accusations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election and unlawfully retaining classified documents.

Smith’s team maintained that the policy is absolute, regardless of the seriousness of the charges or the strength of the evidence. Judge Tanya Chutkan approved the motion, effectively closing these high-profile cases, though they were dismissed "without prejudice," leaving the door open for potential future prosecution.

Legal and Political Context
Trump faced four criminal prosecutions, two at the federal level and two in state courts. The federal cases were the first of their kind against a former president, highlighting the complexities of pursuing legal action against a political figure actively campaigning for re-election.

The Justice Department’s decision was influenced by the Supreme Court’s ruling granting presidents significant immunity for official actions. Furthermore, Trump’s legal team used the indictments to fuel his campaign narrative, claiming political bias in the justice system.

Ongoing State Cases
Two state-level cases against Trump remain unresolved.

• New York: Trump was convicted earlier this year of falsifying records related to hush-money payments but has sought to overturn the conviction. Sentencing, previously set for this week, has been delayed as the case is re-evaluated.

• Georgia: An election-interference case faces delays due to legal challenges and the implications of Trump’s presidency. Questions about prosecutorial misconduct and presidential immunity have further complicated the matter.

Implications of the Dismissals
The special counsel’s investigations, which cost over $35 million, underscored the challenges of prosecuting a high-profile political figure. The Justice Department noted the unique nature of the Trump cases, given that the charges were filed when he was a private citizen but dismissed due to his new status as president-elect.

Smith is expected to step down as special counsel before Trump’s inauguration, and a report summarizing his investigation may be made public.

Reflection
Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” God calls leaders to accountability and believers to prayer. While human systems are flawed, God’s justice prevails. Let this be a time to seek His wisdom for our leaders and to trust His sovereignty in all things.