Special counsel Jack Smith stands down in Trump classified docs case, asks court to halt appeal
SUMMARY
Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested that the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals halt his appeal in the classified documents case against President-elect Donald Trump, citing Trump’s recent election victory. Smith, who previously attempted to appeal Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the case on grounds of an unconstitutional appointment, asked for the appeal to be paused until December 2, allowing time to evaluate next steps. Trump’s legal team did not oppose the request. This follows Judge Tanya Chutkan’s recent freeze of Smith’s separate election interference case against Trump. Reports suggest the Department of Justice may end all pending Trump-related cases, adhering to its policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Smith is reportedly preparing to retire before Trump’s inauguration in January, as Trump has vowed to dismiss him immediately upon taking office.
