Reports: Jack Smith to Resign Before Trump Enters White House

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Nov 13, 2024

Above: Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives to announce the indictment of Donald Trump during a press conference on Aug. 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Ricky Carioti/Contributor/The Washington Post via Getty Imagesstory last updated Nov 14

The Facts

US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith, who has been leading two federal cases against the now Pres.-elect Donald Trump for two years, is reportedly going to resign from his position before Trump takes office in late January.
Multiple news outlets said that Smith's office is working on a plan to finish the investigations and file a report of his findings and decisions, as Trump has pledged to fire the special counsel within "two seconds" of taking office.

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Through his unfortunate win at the ballot box, Trump has officially avoided facing justice for the severe crimes he was headed to trial for. If the election of a convicted felon wasn't enough, the American people must now watch Smith's years-long investigation crumble before their eyes. Trump will now also be in charge of the DOJ, which means justice-seeking lawyers like Smith will be fired from the federal government.

Atlantic

Republican narrative

If justice were to actually prevail in this case, Jack Smith would face charges upon his departure from the DOJ. Smith, at the direction of Garland and Pres. Biden, unlawfully indicted Trump and sought to imprison him before the American people could elect their preferred candidate. At the very least, he should be required not to destroy any documents related to the witch hunts he brought against Trump.