Judge tosses Trump election interference case after special counsel's request

Chutkan agreed to dismiss the case, but did so in a way that allowed the charges to return after the former president leaves the Oval Office at the conclusion of his term.

By Misty Severi

Published: November 25, 2024 5:11pm

Updated: November 25, 2024 5:23pm

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday agreed to dismiss the January 6 election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump, after special counsel Jack Smith filed a request to do so.

Smith filed the request on Monday to drop all four felony charges against Trump related to his effort to contest his 2020 presidential election loss to President Joe Biden and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S Capitol.

The charges included conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

Smith cited Trump's recent electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris as the grounds for the motion, and highlighted the Justice Department's policy not to prosecute a sitting president.

Chutkan agreed to dismiss the case, but did so in a way that allowed the charges to return after the former president leaves the Oval Office at the conclusion of his term, according to CNN.

“Dismissal without prejudice is also consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office,” Chutkan wrote.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.