On July 15, 2024, a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald J. Trump. The judge, Aileen M. Cannon, ruled that the appointment of the special counsel, Jack Smith, was in violation of the Constitution because he had not been named to the post by the president or confirmed by the Senate.
This ruling came as a surprise and removed a major legal threat against Mr. Trump just as he was set to become the Republican nominee for president at the Republican National Convention. The case involved accusations that Mr. Trump illegally held onto sensitive state secrets after leaving office and obstructed the government’s efforts to retrieve them.
Mr. Smith’s team is expected to appeal the ruling, which means the legal battle may continue. Judge Cannon’s decision was based on the argument that Mr. Smith’s appointment did not follow the proper procedures outlined in the Constitution.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with Republicans celebrating the dismissal of the case and Democrats criticizing the decision. Some legal experts have questioned Judge Cannon’s impartiality and qualifications to oversee such a high-profile case.
Overall, the dismissal of the classified documents case against Mr. Trump has significant implications for his legal battles and political future. It remains to be seen how this ruling will impact other cases against Mr. Trump and whether it will be appealed in higher courts.