Fact check: Which specific felony charges against Trump have been dropped?

1. Summary of the results

Two major federal cases against Trump have been dropped by Special Counsel Jack Smith ^[1]:

• The January 6th related case, which included four specific felony charges:

1. Conspiracy to defraud the United States

2. Conspiring to corruptly obstruct the January 6th Congressional proceeding

3. Obstructing the January 6th Congressional proceeding

4. Conspiring to take away people's constitutional right to vote ^[2]

• The classified documents case ^[3]

The dismissals occurred following Trump's election victory, based on longstanding Department of Justice policy preventing prosecution of a sitting president ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• The dismissals were made "without prejudice" ^[2], meaning the cases could potentially be reopened after Trump leaves office
• The dismissals were based on procedural considerations, not due to case weakness ^[3]
• Regarding the Manhattan case with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records:
• This case has NOT been dropped, contrary to some social media claims ^[4]
• While resulting in an unconditional discharge (no fines or prison), the conviction remains on Trump's record ^[5]
• The prosecution intends to proceed with sentencing, though they may consider staying proceedings until after Trump's presidential term ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself could lead to misconceptions about:

• The nature of the dismissals: These were procedural dismissals due to DOJ policy, not merit-based dismissals ^[3]
• The status of state-level charges: While federal charges were dropped, state-level proceedings continue ^[4]
• The timing and context: The dismissals are directly tied to Trump's election victory and the DOJ's policy regarding sitting presidents ^[1], not to the strength or weakness of the cases themselves

Those benefiting from various interpretations include:

• Trump's supporters, who might frame the dismissals as vindication
• DOJ officials, who can point to institutional precedent rather than political decision-making
• Legal scholars and democracy advocates, who might use this situation to argue for reforms in how presidents can be prosecuted