FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, the Fulton County election interference case remains in limbo.
Legal experts speculate how Trump's victory might affect the ongoing prosecution, particularly after federal prosecutors recently dropped two criminal cases against him.
Special counsel Jack Smith announced Monday that the Justice Department would no longer pursue the federal election interference case or the classified documents case, citing a longstanding policy prohibiting the prosecution of sitting presidents. Smith's motion to dismiss emphasized that the decision was not related to the merits of the cases but reflected the department's commitment to established legal norms.
The Fulton County case, centered on allegations of election interference during Georgia’s 2020 presidential vote, now faces additional complications. Legal analysts, including former Fulton County prosecutor Darryl Cohen, predict higher courts in Georgia will likely play a pivotal role in determining the case’s future.
“The Supreme Court of Georgia will probably have to get involved if the case continues,” Cohen said.
This state-level prosecution encountered delays earlier this year when defense attorneys revealed a conflict involving special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The Georgia Court of Appeals had scheduled arguments over the issue but canceled them indefinitely.
Observers draw parallels between the Fulton County and now-dismissed federal cases. Trump's defense has consistently framed all charges as politically motivated and plans to challenge them further as he resumes the presidency.
Meanwhile, Trump’s planned executive actions, including tariff increases on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, are fueling questions about how his policy priorities will intersect with his legal challenges.