• Former Special Counsel Jack Smith argues sufficient evidence existed to charge Trump regarding the 2020 election.
• Smith’s final report affirms the dismissal of charges against Trump was due to his election victory, not case merits.
• Trump’s allies still face pending criminal charges in multiple states for their roles in efforts to overturn the 2020 results.
• The statute of limitations and potential presidential pardons loom large over Trump's future legal prospects.
• Smith's investigations have led to significant indictments, but many cases remain unresolved as Trump prepares for his presidency.

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith has officially concluded his investigation into President-elect Donald Trump concerning the 2020 election. In a final report released on January 14, 2025, the Justice Department highlighted substantial evidence that could have led to a conviction, suggesting that the decision to drop charges was based solely on Trump's election victory. Smith clarified that the evidence available “was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.” However, the legal implications of Trump's actions linger as several of his allies remain embroiled in ongoing state-level prosecutions.

Smith's dismissal of the election-related charges, which were made "without prejudice," allows for the potential of re-indicting Trump after he leaves office. This means that, theoretically, the federal government could pursue charges against him in the future. The implications of this are critical, especially considering that Trump's presidency might offer him legal protections currently, a point emphasized in Smith's investigation. Trump's last-minute maneuvers and political leverage complicate the dynamics of any future legal battles.

As outlined in the report, Trump, along with 18 of his cohorts, faces charges in Georgia for their efforts to subvert the election result. High-profile allies include former attorney Rudy Giuliani and former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. However, recent developments following a state appeals court ruling that disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis raise questions regarding validity and the future of those proceedings.

In addition to the Georgia case, Arizona courts have charged 18 Trump allies connected to similar electoral subversion efforts, with trials expected to begin in January 2026. Other states like Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin also have pending cases related to the "fake elector" plots, highlighting a broad and intricate legal landscape surrounding Trump's post-election efforts.

Amidst these trials, a critical factor is the potential expiration of the statute of limitations, which could hinder prosecutions depending on the outcomes of respective state cases. Trump's defense may invoke the argument that relevant charges should no longer be applicable based on timing, although legal experts believe the statute could have been effectively paused during the span of his presidency.

Add to this the legal quandary of whether Trump could issue a self-pardon or pardon his allies—only federal cases are eligible for presidential pardons—leaving multiple state-level charges subject to legal scrutiny and without presidential intervention.

Despite these challenges, several defendants have opted for plea deals, including Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, who have acknowledged their respective roles within the continuing investigations. However, others remain defiant. For instance, a spokesperson stated that Giuliani perceives the charges against him as indicative of a politically motivated prosecution.

The question of whether Trump can still face indictments, alongside how his allies will navigate ongoing legal battles, continues to evolve. The conclusions drawn by Smith's investigations, combined with the actions taken in state courts, contribute to a complex tableau of justice in which the former president and his associates remain at the center of controversy.

As Trump's presidency unfolds, the political ramifications and ongoing trials promise to engage the legal and political landscape for years to come.