A U.S. appeals court has dismissed the attempt to revive a high-profile case accusing Donald Trump of mishandling classified documents, clearing a major legal hurdle for the president-elect ahead of his return to the White House in January.
The decision, issued by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, follows prosecutors’ request to halt their appeal in the case. This move effectively concludes both federal cases against Trump as he readies himself to reclaim the presidency on January 20.
Earlier, a federal judge had dismissed allegations against Trump related to overturning the 2020 election, citing a Department of Justice policy that bars prosecuting a sitting president. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led the cases, acknowledged in court filings that these legal constraints necessitated dropping the charges.
The classified documents case had already faced a setback when a Florida judge ruled that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was procedurally flawed. While prosecutors are still appealing parts of that ruling concerning two Trump aides—Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira—the spotlight now shifts to their roles in allegedly obstructing the investigation. Both aides, like Trump, have maintained their innocence.
This development solidifies Trump’s legal standing as he prepares to step into a familiar role, shaping his next term with a backdrop of resolved controversies.
