• The Justice Department is preparing to drop federal charges against President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office, in line with its longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
• Special counsel Jack Smith is working to close two high-profile cases against Trump, although charges against some co-defendants may continue.
• Trump’s spokesman praised the move, saying it reflected Americans’ desire to end the “weaponization” of the justice system and focus on national unity.

The Justice Department appears poised to drop federal criminal charges against the president-elect Donald Trump before taking office, according to a Justice Department official familiar with the situation.

Special counsel Jack Smith, assigned to oversee two high-profile cases against Trump, is working on how to close both cases in line with the DOJ’s policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

The DOJ official, who requested anonymity because of the private nature of the discussions, indicated that department policy is a key factor guiding Smith’s decision-making.

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However, Smith may still seek to continue the prosecution of two co-defendants related to one of Trump’s cases, suggesting that investigations beyond Trump’s personal involvement may persist.

The DOJ is reportedly facing two looming filing deadlines in both cases, putting additional pressure on Smith to find a way to wrap up the cases within weeks.

The move drew praise from Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, who issued a statement suggesting the DOJ’s decision aligns with the will of the American people. people.

According to Cheung, “It is now abundantly clear that Americans want an immediate end to the harmonization of our justice system so that we can, as President Trump said in his historic speech last night, unite our country and work together to improve ourselves . nation.”

Trump’s past remarks and tensions with the DOJ

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Before news of the DOJ talks broke, Trump openly criticized Jack Smith, the DOJ and senior figures within the department, suggesting he might fire the special counsel or consider a self-pardon once he came into office.

Trump has also expressed a willingness to indict political opponents. He recently amplified social media posts calling for criminal charges against prominent Democrats, including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for unspecified crimes.

Trump declares victory in the US election

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump declared victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris after she was tipped to win key battlefield states from Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes.

Source: Legit.ng