Trump argues Smith unlawfully appointed in documents and election cases

Former President Donald Trump is challenging criminal charges brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith, arguing that Smith was unlawfully appointed and lacked the legal authority to prosecute the cases. Trump has filed motions to dismiss the charges in both federal district court in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. appeals court in Atlanta. The charges stem from the 2020 election and Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents. Trump’s legal team claims that Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional and that the charges against him are politically motivated. Smith, however, argues that his appointment was valid and properly funded. The case may end up before the Supreme Court.