Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, July 15. The decision adds another layer of complexity to Trump's ongoing legal battles.
Cannon, 43, appointed by Trump during his presidency, ruled that the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. She argued that Smith’s appointment was not officially made by President Joe Biden nor confirmed by the Senate, as per RadarOnline.
“The role cannot be usurped by the executive branch or diffused elsewhere – whether in this case or another, whether in times of heightened national need or not,” Cannon stated in her decision.
The New York Times reported that Smith's team plans to appeal the decision. Legal experts anticipate a protracted legal battle as the Department of Justice seeks to overturn the dismissal.
In June 2023, Trump was indicted on 37 felony counts related to classified documents taken from the White House. A superseding indictment later added three more felony charges. The case, filed in the federal district court in Miami, has been closely watched as a barometer of Trump’s legal challenges.
This ruling follows a dramatic incident involving Trump, where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to fire nine shots before being neutralized by the Secret Service. One bullet grazed Trump’s ear, while one attendee was killed and two others were critically injured.
Trump addressed the incident in an interview, expressing his gratitude for surviving. “I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump said. “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God, I’m still here.”
The dismissal of the case and the failed assassination attempt have significantly impacted Trump’s political fortunes. As the presumptive GOP nominee, Trump arrived in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention with renewed vigor. His campaign emphasized the importance of unity and perseverance in light of recent events.
"In moments of tragedy and horror, we must be resolute in our mission to re-elect President Trump. It is our fervent hope that this horrendous act will bring our team, and indeed the nation, together in unity and we must renew our commitment to safety and peace for our country," read an internal memo to campaign staffers.
The RNC Convention will continue as planned in Milwaukee, with Trump set to be officially named the party’s 2024 candidate. Following the incident, Trump called for unity among his supporters, urging them to stand resilient and united.
Trump’s support appears to be surging. A Real Clear Politics poll conducted before the assassination attempt showed Trump leading President Biden by 1.2 points. Republican lawmakers have suggested that the incident could galvanize Trump’s base and significantly impact the upcoming election.
GOP House Rep. Derrick Van Orden told Politico, “President Trump survives this attack — he just won the election.” Similarly, Congressman Tim Burchett noted, “This will energize the base more than anything.”
President Biden, who has faced declining support following a challenging debate performance, condemned the attack on Trump and called for unity and condemnation of political violence. However, Democrat lawmakers continue to express concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity, adding to the growing calls for him to step aside.