Fact check: Did trumps felony charges get dropped

1. Summary of the results

Trump's felony charges were not completely dropped, but the situation is complex. Here's what happened:

• Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the Stormy Daniels case ^[1]
• Judge Merchan upheld this conviction in January 2025 but issued an unconditional discharge ^[2]
• Special Counsel Jack Smith dropped both the federal cases (election subversion and classified documents) in November 2024 ^[2]
• The Georgia case is currently paused after Fani Willis's disqualification in December 2024 ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements are missing from the original question:

• The timing of these developments coincides with Trump's 2024 election victory ^[3]
• The federal cases were dismissed partly due to DOJ policy against prosecuting sitting presidents ^[4]
• The Manhattan DA still intends to proceed with sentencing, though timing may be delayed ^[5]
• Trump is currently appealing the verdict in the Stormy Daniels case ^[1]
• Prosecutors are considering a stay of proceedings until after Trump's presidential term ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question oversimplifies a complex legal situation. Several parties have different interests:

• Trump supporters benefit from portraying the cases as completely dropped or politically motivated
• The Department of Justice maintains its institutional precedent by not prosecuting a sitting president ^[4]
• The Manhattan DA's office maintains its authority by continuing to pursue the case despite political pressure ^[5]
• Claims of charges being completely dropped are explicitly false according to official sources ^[5]