A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday dismissed efforts to revive the criminal case accusing Donald Trump of illegally retaining classified documents, following prosecutors’ decision to abandon their appeal against the president-elect.
The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals order marks the end of both federal prosecutions against Trump as he prepares to return to the White House on January 20. A federal judge had already dismissed a separate case Monday that accused Trump of plotting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led both prosecutions, cited long-standing Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents in court filings explaining the dismissals. The classified documents case had initially been thrown out by a Florida federal judge who ruled Smith’s appointment as special counsel improper.
Prosecutors indicated they will continue appealing that ruling as it relates to Trump associates Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, who were charged with attempting to obstruct the investigation. Both aides pleaded not guilty, as did Trump, who has denied wrongdoing in all cases.
