Special Counsel Jack Smith is reportedly planning to conclude his investigations into former President Donald Trump and resign before the president-elect is sworn in this January. Smith has been overseeing two major federal cases against Trump: one regarding alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the other concerning the mishandling of classified documents.
Both cases have yet to go to trial, and with Trump’s recent election win, Smith faces a challenge due to Justice Department policies that prohibit prosecuting sitting presidents. Additionally, Trump has promised to fire Smith immediately upon taking office, further complicating the situation.
According to sources familiar with Smith’s plans, he intends to finish his work and step down before Trump assumes the presidency. His main objective is to ensure that none of the investigations remain incomplete when Trump takes office, thus preventing the incoming administration from handling the unresolved cases.
Smith’s decision to resign is influenced by Trump’s commitment to dismiss him as soon as he returns to the White House, prompting Smith to move quickly to wrap up his investigations.
Donald Trump
Smith has approached his role with the belief that no individual, including a former president, is above the law. However, with the delays in the legal process and Trump’s election victory, Smith now faces the challenge of closing the investigations in a way that ensures no unfinished business remains.
While Smith has been working under tight deadlines, there is still the possibility that external factors, such as judicial rulings or other government decisions, could influence his timeline.
As Smith prepares for his departure, his final task will be to file a report summarizing his findings and decisions. This report, which is required by Justice Department regulations, will provide a public account of his investigations into Trump. Although the cases were unable to go to trial, the report will offer transparency regarding the charges and evidence that were explored during his tenure as special counsel.
The timeline for completing Smith’s work is uncertain, especially with the potential for additional legal or procedural delays. Nevertheless, sources suggest that Smith is eager to conclude his responsibilities without unnecessary delay.
He has informed the prosecutors and FBI agents on his team, who are not directly involved in preparing the final report, that they can begin planning their departures in the coming weeks. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing, Smith is determined to finish his work as soon as possible.
