Jack Smith resigns from the Justice Department before Trump takes office

In the United States, Jack Smith, the special counsel leading investigations against Donald J. Trump, resigned from the Justice Department on January 10, 2025. Smith had been appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, during a tumultuous political climate as Trump announced his candidacy for reelection. Smith's work included overseeing cases related to Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and accusations concerning the mishandling of classified documents. A court filing revealed that Smith completed his investigations and submitted a confidential report the previous week, just before departing. Throughout his tenure, Smith faced significant legal challenges, including a prolonged battle with Trump's legal team that extended into appellate courts and even reached the Supreme Court. His investigations drew intense scrutiny, particularly from Trump, who repeatedly criticized Smith, confirming his intention to terminate him the moment he took office. Notably, Smith's classified documents investigation implicated Trump, resulting in an indictment, but federal courts dismissed the case by July 2024, citing questions about Smith's appointment and funding. In his final week, Smith's work culminated in another setback when Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a Trump appointee, blocked the public release of part of his report, illustrating the complex relationship and tension between the judicial system and the former president's legal controversies. Ultimately, Smith’s planned resignation was expected, as Trump had openly threatened to fire him if he won the presidency again, emphasizing the political stakes surrounding Smith's investigations. With Smith's exit, the Justice Department will search for new leadership to navigate ongoing investigations related to Trump and any other relevant cases. The implications of these investigations may continue to resonate as both Trump and Biden gear up for their respective political future paths, leaving questions about accountability and legal repercussions in the highly charged political environment following the 2020 election.