(DailyChive.com) – Special Counsel Jack Smith is reportedly preparing to resign before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in this January. Smith plans to step down after wrapping up his investigations into Trump’s legal cases, according to the New York Times. This move appears to be an effort to avoid being fired by Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to dismiss Smith “within seconds” of taking office.
Smith has been overseeing two major cases involving Trump: one related to alleged interference in the 2020 election and another involving classified documents. Both cases have stirred intense political debate, with Trump and his allies dismissing them as politically motivated “witch hunts.” The Justice Department has a longstanding policy that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, which adds urgency for Smith to finalize his work before Trump takes office.
Last week, Smith filed a motion to vacate deadlines in the election interference case. While this action does not fully dismiss the case, it signals Smith’s intent to resolve the matter quickly. Smith has also announced plans to submit an official report on his findings and the charges considered. Under Justice Department rules, this report is required even though neither case has reached trial.
Whether this report will be made public before President Biden leaves office remains uncertain. The decision ultimately rests with Attorney General Merrick Garland. Some speculate that Garland may wait for guidance from the incoming Trump administration, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Smith has reportedly instructed his team, including FBI agents and prosecutors not directly involved in finalizing the report, to prepare for their departures. Meanwhile, House Republicans, including the Judiciary Committee, have expressed concerns about the potential “purging” of case records as Smith’s office winds down. They are demanding all relevant documents be handed over to Congress before the month ends.
The upcoming weeks will determine how these cases unfold, but one thing is clear: Jack Smith’s exit won’t mark the end of controversy. With Trump’s return to the White House looming, the legal and political battles surrounding these investigations are likely far from over.
This story is developing, and more updates are expected as December approaches.
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