Special Counsel Jack Smith resigns from DOJ, leaving Trump investigations behind.
At a Glance
- Jack Smith resigned from the DOJ on January 10, 2025, after prosecuting two criminal investigations involving President-elect Trump
- Smith submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025
- The DOJ is urging Judge Aileen Cannon to allow the release of Smith’s report before Trump takes office on January 20
- A legal battle is ongoing regarding the release of the report, with Judge Cannon blocking its publication
- The DOJ plans to release only the part of the report related to Trump’s election interference case
Special Counsel Jack Smith Steps Down
In a significant development at the Department of Justice, Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned following the completion of two high-profile criminal investigations involving President-elect Donald Trump. The DOJ confirmed Smith’s departure in a court filing on Saturday, January 11, 2025, stating that he had separated from the department effective January 10.
Smith’s resignation comes on the heels of submitting his final confidential report on January 7, 2025. The timing of his departure, just days before Trump is set to take office on January 20, has raised questions about the impact of the investigations and the potential release of the report’s findings. The DOJ previously dismissed the two criminal investigations against Trump because of his return to the presidency.
🚨BREAKING: Jack Smith has officially resigned from the DOJ pic.twitter.com/wdDYk9SEo3
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 11, 2025
Legal Battles Over Report Release
The Department of Justice is currently engaged in a legal struggle to ensure the release of Smith’s report before the change in administration. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has blocked the release, citing concerns over Smith’s appointment as special counsel. This decision has prompted the DOJ to file an emergency motion with a federal appeals court, seeking to overturn Cannon’s injunction.
The urgency of the DOJ’s actions raises questions about the significance of the report’s contents and the potential impact on public understanding of the investigations. As the legal battle unfolds, the DOJ has indicated its intention to release only portions of the report related to Trump’s alleged election interference, to avoid prejudicing other ongoing cases.
Implications for Ongoing Investigations
Smith’s resignation raises questions about the future of the investigations he oversaw. While his work has concluded, the full impact of his findings remains to be seen. The DOJ’s push to release the report before January 20 suggests a desire to establish a public record of the investigations’ outcomes before the transition of power.
As the legal community and the public await the potential release of Smith’s report, the focus now shifts to how these investigations might influence the incoming administration and the broader landscape of American politics. The resignation of Jack Smith marks the end of a significant and tumultuous chapter in the Department of Justice’s recent history, leaving a legacy that will likely be debated for years to come.
