Florida judge dismisses Trump documents case, rules prosecutor was unlawfully appointed
- It marked another legal triumph for Trump, after Supreme Court ruled he has immunity from prosecution for many of his actions in office
US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, ruled that Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, was unlawfully appointed to his role and did not have the authority to bring the case.
It marked another blockbuster legal triumph for Trump, following a July 1 US Supreme Court ruling that as a former president he has immunity from prosecution for many of his actions in office.
Cannon’s ruling came two days after Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors are likely to appeal the ruling. Courts in other cases have repeatedly upheld the ability of the US Justice Department to appoint special counsels to handle certain politically sensitive investigations.