Trump moves to dismiss Mar-a-Lago classified docs case

The motions feature multiple rationales, including claims Smith's appointment was illegitimate and arguments of presidential immunity

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 22, 2024 10:54pm

Updated: February 22, 2024 11:01pm

Former President Donald Trump's legal team has filed a series of motions seeking to dismiss special counsel Jack Smith's prosecution of him over his handling of classified materials.

The motions feature multiple rationales, including claims Smith's appointment was illegitimate and arguments of presidential immunity, CNN reported.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith special counsel in November of 2022, months after a high-profile FBI raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump pleaded not guilty to a litany of charges in June of last year related to the case. Smith brought additional charges in July against Trump and has also indicted two co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, both of whom have pleaded not guilty.

De Oliveria's attorneys also sought a dismissal on Thursday, arguing he did not knowingly obstruct justice.

"The Superseding Indictment does not allege that Mr. De Oliveira ever saw a classified document. It does not allege that Mr. De Oliveira was aware of the presence of any classified documents in the boxes that he moved," they argued, per CNN.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.