Smartmatic Seeks Dismissal of Criminal Charges, Blames Trump's 'Retribution'

Voting tech firm claims prosecution is politically motivated retaliation for 2020 election claims.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:21pm

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Voting technology company Smartmatic has asked a federal judge to dismiss a criminal money laundering indictment, alleging the case is political retaliation tied to former President Donald Trump's baseless claims about the 2020 election. Smartmatic's attorneys say the company had been cooperating with the Justice Department's investigation since 2021 but that the charges were only brought after Trump returned to the White House and demanded prosecution of his perceived enemies.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing political fallout from the 2020 election, with Smartmatic accusing the Justice Department of bowing to pressure from Trump to prosecute the company as part of his 'campaign of retribution' against those he blames for his loss. It raises questions about the independence of the Justice Department and the potential for political interference in criminal cases.

The details

Smartmatic, a voting technology firm, was added to a criminal indictment last fall that previously charged several executives with paying $1 million in bribes to election officials in the Philippines. Smartmatic says it had been cooperating with the Justice Department's investigation since 2021, but that the charges were only brought after Trump returned to the White House and demanded prosecution of his perceived enemies. Smartmatic's attorneys argue the prosecution is an attempt to further the 'false narrative' that Trump did not actually lose the 2020 election.

  • Smartmatic first learned of the Justice Department's investigation in 2021.
  • A trial date for the executives, including co-founder Roger Pinate, had been set before the charges were brought.
  • The criminal charges were filed after Trump returned to the White House.

The players

Smartmatic

A voting technology firm that provides voting machines and other technology to help carry out elections in 25 countries around the world.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has made baseless claims that the 2020 election was rigged and that Smartmatic was part of a conspiracy to steal the election.

Roger Pinate

The co-founder of Smartmatic who has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.

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What they’re saying

“The prosecution of SGO furthers their collective false narrative that President Trump did not actually lose the 2020 election.”

— Smartmatic (Motion to Dismiss)

“In the years since the election, the filing states, "Smartmatic USA has exercised its right to hold those individuals and entities legally accountable for their deluge of defamatory statements and the attendant damage inflicts on its business, putting it squarely in the crosshairs for retribution.”

— Smartmatic (Motion to Dismiss)

What’s next

The federal judge will decide whether to dismiss the criminal indictment against Smartmatic.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the 2020 election and the potential for the Justice Department to be influenced by political pressure, raising concerns about the independence of the criminal justice system.