A Florida judge, appointed during the Trump presidency, has dismissed the criminal case against him concerning the mishandling of top-secret documents. The judge cited issues with the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith, declaring it improper.

This decision marks a significant triumph for Trump, who had faced allegations of compromising national security by retaining classified documents post-presidency.

Judge Aileen Cannon issued her ruling following arguments from Trump’s legal team, who requested a halt in proceedings to review a Supreme Court decision indicating that a former president might possess broad immunity from prosecution.

In her written order, Judge Cannon stated, “Former President Trump’s Motion to Dismiss Indictment Based on the Unlawful Appointment and Funding of Special Counsel Jack Smith is GRANTED.”

She further explained, “The Superseding Indictment is DISMISSED because Special Counsel Smith’s appointment violates the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution.”

This ruling coincides with Trump’s impending nomination as the Republican candidate at the upcoming National Convention, occurring shortly after he survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.

The dismissal has sparked significant discussion about the legal intricacies of prosecuting a former president and the potential ramifications for future cases involving high-profile political figures. Trump’s supporters celebrated the decision, while critics voiced concerns about accountability and justice.