Judge Dismisses Criminal Case Against Trump Over Classified Documents

A U.S. judge has dismissed the criminal case accusing former President Donald Trump of illegally holding classified documents, citing the unlawful appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith. The ruling casts doubt on the future of the case, marking another significant legal victory for Trump as he campaigns for a return to the White House.

A U.S. judge on Monday dismissed the criminal case accusing Donald Trump of illegally holding onto classified documents, dealing the former president another major legal victory as the Republican seeks a return to the White House. Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Special Counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed and did not have the authority to bring the case.

This marks another significant legal win for Trump, following the July 1 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that granted him immunity from prosecution for many of his actions as president. Prosecutors are expected to appeal the ruling. Courts have generally upheld the U.S. Justice Department's ability to appoint special counsels for politically sensitive investigations.

Cannon's ruling casts doubt on the future of the case, which posed serious legal peril for Trump. Smith is also prosecuting Trump in federal court over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, but no similar challenge has been made in that case. In this documents case, Trump was indicted for willfully retaining sensitive national security documents at Mar-a-Lago and obstructing government retrieval efforts.

Trump's personal aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira were also charged with obstructing the investigation. Trump's lawyers argued that Attorney General Merrick Garland's decision to appoint Smith violated the U.S. Constitution. They claimed Smith's office was not created by Congress and he was not confirmed by the Senate.

Smith's office disputed this, noting the well-established use of special counsels for politically sensitive investigations. The ruling is the latest in a series of decisions by Cannon favoring Trump's defense and showing skepticism towards prosecutors' conduct. Cannon previously delayed a trial indefinitely while considering Trump's legal challenges.

In an unusual move, Cannon allowed three outside lawyers, two of whom sided with Trump, to argue during a hearing on Trump's challenge to Smith's appointment. Conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas added support to Trump's challenge by questioning the legality of Smith's appointment in a recent opinion granting Trump immunity in another case.

Garland appointed Smith to ensure a degree of independence in investigations involving Trump under Biden's administration. Smith is known for his work in public corruption and international war crimes prosecution.

(With inputs from agencies.)