Jack Smith, the special counsel who was central to the two federal investigations into Donald Trump, has officially resigned from the Justice Department just days before Trump assumes the presidency. The resignation, noted in a court filing released Saturday, indicates that Smith "separated from the Department" last Friday. CBS News had previously reported in November that his departure was anticipated following the completion of his investigations.
Jack Smith Steps Down as Special Counsel Ahead of Trump's Presidency
Jack Smith Steps Down as Special Counsel Ahead of Trump's Presidency
Special Counsel Jack Smith resigns from the Justice Department, leaving two investigations into Donald Trump unresolved as the president-elect prepares to take office.
Smith was appointed in 2022 to oversee critical cases against Trump: one focused on the alleged mishandling of classified documents and another concerning efforts to disrupt the 2020 election results. While both investigations led to criminal charges against the former president—who has denied all wrongdoing and claims that the prosecutions are politically charged—Smith's cases were formally closed after Trump's election victory last year. Legal guidelines prevent the prosecution of sitting presidents.
His resignation avoids a potential firing from Trump or the incoming attorney general, allowing him to conclude his role on his own terms. However, he exits without either case seeing trial. Recently, the situation became more complex when U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon placed a temporary ban on the release of Smith's report concerning the classified documents investigation. This decision followed requests from the legal teams of Trump's co-defendants, who had pleaded not guilty. The judge's ruling delays the dissemination of findings until a higher appeals court reviews the matter.
Trump's attorneys have claimed that Smith lacked the legal authority to issue the report, alleging that his appointment was unconstitutional and rooted in political motivations. Meanwhile, Trump recently received an "unconditional discharge" in a separate hush-money case, avoiding jail time and fines, while simultaneously becoming the first U.S. president with a felony conviction.
As Trump's legal challenges linger and the public awaits the release of investigative reports, Smith's departure marks a significant shift in the ongoing saga of accountability and governance in American politics.
His resignation avoids a potential firing from Trump or the incoming attorney general, allowing him to conclude his role on his own terms. However, he exits without either case seeing trial. Recently, the situation became more complex when U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon placed a temporary ban on the release of Smith's report concerning the classified documents investigation. This decision followed requests from the legal teams of Trump's co-defendants, who had pleaded not guilty. The judge's ruling delays the dissemination of findings until a higher appeals court reviews the matter.
Trump's attorneys have claimed that Smith lacked the legal authority to issue the report, alleging that his appointment was unconstitutional and rooted in political motivations. Meanwhile, Trump recently received an "unconditional discharge" in a separate hush-money case, avoiding jail time and fines, while simultaneously becoming the first U.S. president with a felony conviction.
As Trump's legal challenges linger and the public awaits the release of investigative reports, Smith's departure marks a significant shift in the ongoing saga of accountability and governance in American politics.
