Special Counsel Jack Smith is preparing to step down from his role, but not before making one final move: releasing a comprehensive report on his investigations into former President Donald Trump. This comes in the wake of Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election, which has shifted the political landscape and placed Smith’s role in the spotlight.
Last week, Smith filed a motion requesting a pause in the proceedings of Trump’s ongoing legal cases. Citing the “unprecedented circumstances” of Trump’s return to the presidency, Smith asked the court to vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to reassess the situation.
In the court filing, Smith stated, “As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, the defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025. The Government respectfully requests that the Court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.”
He added that by December 2, 2024, his office would submit a status report detailing the results of their deliberations. The Trump legal team reportedly did not object to the request.
Sources familiar with the matter told The New York Times that Smith plans to resign before Trump is inaugurated in January. His departure is seen as a preemptive move, given Trump’s campaign promise to dismiss Smith “within two seconds” of taking office.
Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, was tasked with investigating Trump’s handling of classified documents and his alleged role in the January 6 Capitol riots. Despite two high-profile indictments, neither case has progressed to trial. Under DOJ regulations, Smith is required to submit a report summarizing his findings, including the charges considered and filed.
Whether Attorney General Garland will release this report before the end of President Biden’s term remains uncertain. The decision could fall to the incoming Trump administration, raising questions about how much of Smith’s findings will be made public.
Smith’s tenure has been marked by controversy, both for the charges he pursued and the financial cost of his investigations. Since his appointment, Smith has spent over $50 million in taxpayer funds. Critics have accused him of conducting a politically motivated “witch hunt” against Trump.
The charges against Trump span two major cases. In June 2023, Smith indicted Trump on 37 federal counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence. These charges included 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act, along with six process-related crimes tied to Trump’s conversations with his attorney.
In July 2023, Smith filed a superseding indictment, adding three more charges related to an alleged scheme to delete security footage from Mar-a-Lago.
Smith’s second major case against Trump centered on the January 6 Capitol riots. In September 2023, Trump was charged with four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. These charges accused Trump of playing a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
As the clock ticks down to January 20, 2025, Smith is reportedly pushing his team to finalize their work. Career prosecutors and FBI agents not directly involved in preparing the report have been informed that they can begin planning their departures. Smith’s resignation will mark the end of a contentious chapter in the Justice Department’s efforts to hold Trump accountable.
For Trump and his supporters, Smith’s resignation is seen as a victory, reinforcing their narrative of political persecution. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to address what he calls the “weaponization” of the DOJ once he returns to office.
Trump’s imminent return to the White House places the future of Smith’s investigations in doubt. It also raises broader questions about the role of special counsels and the politicization of legal processes. Trump has made it clear that he intends to overhaul the Justice Department, starting with the dismissal of officials like Smith, whom he views as emblematic of a biased system.
As for Smith’s report, its contents could influence public opinion and shape Trump’s second term. Whether it serves as a final attempt to hold Trump accountable or as a historical footnote in a long-running political saga, it will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized.
Smith’s exit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between Trump and the Justice Department, a battle that is far from over.
4 Comments
What damned SOB’s; “Smith’s resignation will mark the end of a contentious chapter in the Justice Department’s efforts to hold Trump accountable.”
Hey why don’t you treasonous scums hold yourselves accountable and take down Biden and Harris fir colluding with foreign enemies even ISIS Terror Cells, having or allowing the largest scale violation of our sovereign borders with an actual Invasion of the homeland orchestrated by them through traitor Mayorkas!
Sorry I have to repeat with corrections.
What damned SOB’s; “Smith’s resignation will mark the end of a contentious chapter in the Justice Department’s efforts to hold Trump accountable.”
Hey why don’t you treasonous scums hold yourselves accountable and take down Biden and Harris for “colluding with foreign enemies even ISIS Terror Cells,” having or actually “allowing the largest scale violation of our sovereign borders” with an actual “Invasion of the Homeland,” orchestrated by them through traitor Mayorkas!
We are all quite certain that Jack Smith will absolutely hurl whatever he thinks will make a mark. Can’t wait for this bad chapter to be over. We all had to suffer the consequences of his boss being passed over for the supreme court. Worst AG in the history of this country.
If we could bring back public hangings, I would be more than happy to pull the lever at the gallows on the pos Smith.