Special Counsel Jack Smith resigns from DOJ.
At a Glance
- Jack Smith resigned from the Department of Justice on January 10, 2025
- Smith prosecuting two criminal investigations involving President-elect Donald Trump
- A final confidential report was submitted on January 7, 2025
- DOJ is battling to release Smith’s report before Trump takes office on January 20
- Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the report’s release, citing Smith’s alleged illegal appointment
Special Counsel Jack Smith Steps Down
Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Department of Justice, marking the end of his role overseeing two high-profile criminal investigations involving President-elect Donald Trump. The resignation, effective as of January 10, 2025, comes just days after Smith submitted his final confidential report on January 7. The DOJ previously dismissed the two criminal investigations against Trump because of his return to the presidency.
The Department of Justice confirmed Smith’s departure in a court filing to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. This development has significant implications for ongoing legal proceedings and the future of the investigations Smith led.
Battle Over Report Release
In the wake of Smith’s resignation, a legal battle has erupted over the release of his final report. The DOJ is urgently seeking to publish the document before President-elect Trump takes office on January 20. However, Judge Cannon has blocked its release, citing concerns about Smith’s appointment as special counsel.
The DOJ has filed an emergency motion with a federal appeals court to reverse Cannon’s injunction. The department plans to release only the portion of the report related to Trump’s election interference case, aiming to avoid prejudicing the classified documents case involving two other individuals.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on Smith’s tenure, attention now turns to the DOJ’s next moves. The department faces the challenge of maintaining the integrity of its investigations while navigating the political sensitivities surrounding a newly elected president who was a target of its investigations.
With Smith’s resignation, the DOJ enters a new phase in its handling of these high-profile cases. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the investigations he led and the broader implications for the American justice system.
