Washington Dismisses Trump and Allies’ Case from 2020 Presidential Election
A Georgia judge on Wednesday agreed to dismiss the state’s case against President Trump and his allies stemming from the 2020 presidential election. This decision came after Peter Skandalakis, the new Fulton County District Attorney, stated he would no longer pursue the charges “to serve the interests of justice and promote judicial finality.”
Key Points:
- Judge’s Order: Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued a brief order dismissing the case “in its entirety.”
- Prosecutor’s Decision: Skandalakis, who replaced the previously disqualified Fani Willis, filed a motion informing the court of his decision to abandon the prosecution.
- Rationale: Skandalakis argued that the overt acts listed in the indictment were not sufficient for a racketeering case and that a federal prosecution was more appropriate. He also cited the previous dismissal of similar charges by former special counsel Jack Smith after Trump won a second term.
- Trump’s Response: Steve Sadow, Trump’s lawyer, stated, “The political persecution… is finally over.”
- Public Statements: Trump called the prosecution an “illegal, unconstitutional and unAmerican hoax” and celebrated “the Great State of Georgia” prevailing in law and justice.
Background:
- Indictment: In August 2023, a Fulton County grand jury indicted Trump and 18 associates under Georgia’s racketeering law for allegedly coordinating an effort to thwart the certification of the 2020 election results.
- Previous Cases: Trump faced four separate criminal charges involving allegations related to his first term in office, including federal offenses brought by Smith and state felony counts of falsifying business records in New York.
- Conflicts and Delays: The Fulton County case was delayed due to a conflict of interest surrounding District Attorney Willis and her relationship with a special prosecutor. Appeals and legal battles prolonged the prosecution.
- Replacement Prosecutor: Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, took over the case after several others declined.