US judge in Florida dismisses classified documents case against Trump

A judge in Florida has dismissed the criminal case relating to classified documents that were found at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Mr Trump had been accused of illegally holding onto classified documents.

It represents another major legal victory as the Republican seeks a return to the White House.

Follow live updates: Classified documents case thrown out

Florida-based US District Aileen Cannon, who was nominated by Mr Trump, ruled that Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, was unlawfully appointed to his role and did not have the authority to bring the case.

Mr Smith's team had vigorously contested the argument during hearings before Ms Cannon last month.

The case has been thrown out months after Trump became the first former US president to be criminally convicted.

A New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records to commit election fraud.

Trump was convicted after being at the centre of a scheme to cover up "hush money" payments to buy the silence of a porn star in the days before the 2016 election.

When revelations by Stormy Daniels of a sexual liaison with Trump threatened to upend his presidential campaign, he directed his lawyer to pay her $130,000 (£102,000) to keep her quiet.

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