U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led federal cases against former President Donald Trump, has resigned from the Department of Justice. His departure comes as President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House.
According to a recent court filing addressed to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, Smith stepped down on Friday after submitting his final confidential report. The filing requested the lifting of a court order that previously blocked the release of his report.
A seasoned war crimes prosecutor, Smith was at the forefront of two major criminal cases against Trump. These cases involved allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified documents. However, both cases faced significant legal hurdles, including dismissals and rulings on presidential immunity.
After Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election, Smith’s team moved to drop the charges, citing a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. They maintained the validity of their cases but acknowledged that proceeding was no longer tenable.
Smith’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Trump. The collapse of these high-profile cases has not only cleared legal obstacles for the incoming administration but has also energized Trump’s political base.
Trump has been vocal about his disdain for Smith, referring to him as “deranged” and expressing intentions to dismiss him upon taking office. There are also suggestions that Trump may seek retribution against those who have investigated him.
In 2023, Trump made history as the first sitting or former U.S. president to face criminal prosecution. He was charged in New York over allegations related to hush money payments during his 2016 campaign. Additionally, prosecutors in Georgia charged him concerning efforts to overturn election results in the state.
Smith’s resignation adds another layer to the complex narrative of Trump’s legal challenges and political resurgence. As the nation watches these developments unfold, questions remain about the implications for the justice system and future presidential conduct.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
