Special Counsel Jack Smith Resigns Amid Ongoing Trump Investigations

Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing two criminal cases against former President Donald Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department prior to Trump’s inauguration. Smith's exit comes as legal battles around the release of his investigation reports continue, and his inquiries into Trump end without trial.

Jack Smith, known for spearheading two significant investigations against Donald Trump, officially resigned from his position at the Justice Department just before Trump's upcoming inauguration. A court document filed on Saturday disclosed Mr. Smith's separation from the Department as occurring the previous Friday. CBS News, in collaboration with the BBC, had earlier reported in November that Smith's resignation was anticipated upon the completion of his duties.

His exit follows a contentious debate regarding the publication of his findings related to Trump's classified documents case. Smith was originally designated as special counsel in 2022 to oversee two particular investigations concerning Trump—the alleged mishandling of classified documents and possible interference in the 2020 presidential election results. Both inquiries culminated in criminal charges against Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the legal proceedings were tainted by political bias.

The investigations were effectively terminated last year after Trump successfully secured the presidency once more, as regulations dictate that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. Previous reports indicated that Smith’s resignation aimed to prevent a situation where Trump or his incoming attorney general would dismiss him from his role.

Notably, Smith departs without bringing either of his criminal cases against Trump to trial. Recently, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who presided over the classified documents case, issued a temporary injunction preventing the release of Smith's report, which was anticipated to be made public imminently after Trump's legal representatives received a draft version last weekend.

The judge's decision emerged following appeals from Trump’s former associates, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, both of whom have pleaded not guilty to related charges, prompting Cannon to pause the report's release pending the outcome of further examination by the Eleventh Circuit Court in Atlanta.

In accordance with law, findings from special counsels are mandated to be submitted to the Justice Department, led by the attorney general, who has committed to transparently releasing all reports, including those from Smith. Meanwhile, Trump's legal defense has contested Smith's authority to present the classified documents report, arguing that his appointment was unconstitutional and politically charged.

In a related development, a judge has recently concluded a separate case against Trump regarding hush-money payments, leading to a ruling of "unconditional discharge" that absolves him from incarceration and fines, while still marking him as the first U.S. president with a felony conviction as he prepares to take office again. The implications of Trump’s ongoing legal challenges beg the question of how his convictions will intersect with his renewed political aspirations in 2024.