How many days elapsed between Trump's federal pardons of the fake electors and prosecutor Skandalakis's dismissal of Georgia state charges?

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Sixteen days elapsed between Trump's Nov. 10, 2025 federal pardons and Skandalakis's Nov. 26, 2025 motion to dismiss the Georgia state charges. This timeline raises questions about whether Trump's pardons influenced Skandalakis's decision despite having no legal effect on state prosecutions. The federal pardons couldn't legally compel dismissal of state charges—presidential pardon power stops at federal crimes under Article II. Yet Skandalakis dismissed the state case just over two weeks after Trump's pardons, concluding the defendants lacked criminal intent because they relied on attorney advice. The temporal proximity creates the appearance of coordination or political influence, even if Skandalakis based his decision on independent legal analysis. Did Trump's pardons signal political protection that made continued prosecution politically untenable? Did the pardons provide cover for Skandalakis to dismiss charges he found weak? Or did Skandalakis genuinely conclude the evidence failed to prove intent, with timing being coincidental? The power analysis reveals how executive actions can shape prosecutorial decisions even without legal force. Trump's pardons broadcast a message that he considers the fake elector scheme legitimate and the defendants patriots, not criminals. This political context affects prosecutorial calculations about jury pool attitudes, political backlash, and public support for continued prosecution. The 16-day gap is short enough to suggest influence but long enough to appear deliberative. Compare this to immediate dismissals that would appear overtly political versus months-long reviews suggesting thorough analysis. The timing occupies a middle ground that allows plausible deniability while achieving Trump's desired outcome: complete elimination of criminal accountability.

How many days elapsed between Trump's federal pardons of the fake electors and prosecutor Skandalakis's dismissal of Georgia state charges?

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