Special counsel Jack Smith is reportedly preparing to resign before Donald Trump takes office, according to sources close to the investigation.
As Trump’s election win looms large, Smith is looking to wrap up his work and avoid being fired shortly after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
The Final Stages of Two Major Investigations
Smith is overseeing two critical cases against Trump, both nearing completion.
These investigations, which have already cost taxpayers around $50 million, focus on separate matters: Trump’s handling of classified documents and his actions surrounding the 2020 election results.
One case involves Trump’s retention of sensitive national security documents after leaving office in 2021, while the other examines his attempts to overturn the election outcome leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Smith Requests Delay in January 6 Case
Last week, Smith requested a delay in the January 6 case, asking the judge to pause proceedings after Trump’s victory in the presidential race.
He sought a one-month break to “assess this unprecedented circumstance” and ensure his next steps align with Department of Justice policies.
Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed, halting all remaining trial deadlines.
Smith had maintained an aggressive filing schedule throughout the year, but given the election results, moving forward with the case during Trump’s presidency could create significant complications.
Legal Uncertainty Around Prosecution
Although Trump remains the president-elect, the legal landscape surrounding these cases is shifting.
Smith’s investigations have faced hurdles, including Trump’s earlier statement that he would fire the special counsel “in two seconds” if elected.
Legal experts had anticipated the classified documents case might lose momentum if Trump won, especially with questions around prosecuting a sitting president.
In the documents case, Trump is accused of taking classified materials to his Mar-a-Lago estate and obstructing justice.
Challenges in the Courts
The documents investigation has already encountered roadblocks, including a decision by Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, to dismiss parts of the case.
Smith had appealed this decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Additionally, Justice Department policies and Supreme Court rulings further complicate the situation, with legal precedents that suggest a sitting president cannot be criminally prosecuted.
Smith’s Final Report and What Comes Next
Before leaving his post, Smith plans to file a detailed report outlining the findings of his investigations.
This will provide an opportunity for him to publicly present his case, with a focus on the key points and evidence gathered over the course of his tenure.
As Smith prepares for his exit, questions remain about the future of these investigations under a potential Trump administration.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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