On Wednesday, the Justice Department filed a motion to cease all criminal proceedings against two former co-defendants of Donald Trump, effectively concluding the extensive investigation into the classified documents saga that has lingered for more than two years.

Motion to Drop Charges

The motion was initiated by acting U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne> in Miami, although specific reasons for this request were not provided. The two individuals affected are Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager at Mar-a-Lago, and Walt Nauta, a valet who also worked at the former president’s estate.

The Investigation Background

De Oliveira and Nauta faced charges alongside President Donald Trump as part of the investigation led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. This inquiry was initiated by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 and focused on two major issues: the alleged efforts by Trump and his associates to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the retention of classified documents at Trump’s Florida residence following his exit from the White House.

Implications of the Charges

Though both investigations—concerning election interference and documented classified materials—were put on hold shortly after Trump was re-elected in the 2024 elections, the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira remained active. They were accused of conspiring with Trump to obstruct justice and of providing false statements to federal investigators.

Legal Moves by Co-Defendants

As the proceedings carried on, attorneys representing Nauta and De Oliveira filed an emergency motion with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, seeking to prevent the publication of a related report. The legal team argued that their clients, both civilians, would incur “irreparable harm” should sensitive details be disclosed.

The Larger Policy Context

The Justice Department’s decision to drop the charges reflects a broader pattern observed during the investigation of Trump. The tradition within the DOJ is to refrain from pursuing criminal investigations into sitting presidents, a precedent that appears to have shaped the handling of these cases, especially during politically sensitive periods like election years.

Continuing Political Fallout

The end of this criminal proceeding does not eliminate the political and public scrutiny surrounding former President Trump. As one of the most polarizing figures in recent American history, Trump’s actions, both during and after his presidency, continue to evoke passionate debates among political analysts, historians, and the general populace.