WASHINGTON, D.C. (Diya TV) — Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the U.S. Department of Justice following the completion of his investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump. Smith’s resignation, effective January 10, 2025, marks the conclusion of his tenure overseeing two high-profile investigations into the former president.
Appointed in November 2022 by Attorney General Merrick Garland, Smith was tasked with leading investigations into Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Despite the extensive resources allocated—approximately $35 million—and the serious charges brought, both cases encountered significant legal and procedural obstacles. Notably, a ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the documents case, citing Garland’s lack of authority to appoint Smith.
Following Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris, Smith dismissed the cases, adhering to Justice Department rules against prosecuting sitting presidents. This decision effectively halted the legal proceedings against Trump, who has consistently characterized the prosecutions as politically motivated.
Smith’s resignation concludes a chapter marked by legal challenges and political controversy. His investigations, which garnered significant public attention, ultimately did not result in charges against Trump. The complexities of the legal landscape, coupled with the evolving political environment, played a pivotal role in the outcomes of these high-profile cases.
As Smith departs from the Justice Department, the focus shifts to the incoming administration’s approach to the findings of his investigations. The release of Smith’s final report, particularly the volume concerning Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election, remains a subject of legal contention. The Justice Department plans to release this portion of the report, pending court decisions, while withholding the section related to classified documents due to ongoing legal proceedings against Trump’s former co-defendants.