Washington: Special Counsel Jack Smith has officially resigned from the Justice Department, effective Friday, a court filing reveals.
His resignation comes amidst legal battles over releasing his report on Trump’s actions after the 2020 election.
The two-volume report addresses election interference and alleged mishandling of classified documents by former President Donald Trump.
Attorney General Merrick Garland received Smith’s report earlier this week and plans limited disclosure, excluding the classified section.
DOJ Faces Challenges in Court
Smith’s team had been preparing for closure for weeks, ahead of Trump’s re-inauguration in January.
The Department of Justice faces legal disputes regarding the report’s release as Trump and allies seek to prevent publication.
An appeals court rejected Trump’s bid to block the report, allowing limited release of the first volume soon.
Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily paused the report’s public release, asking for details by Sunday morning.
Investigations Shaped by Legal Setbacks
Smith, appointed in November 2022, led probes into Trump’s election subversion and classified document cases.
Both investigations led to charges in 2023 but faltered due to Trump’s return to the presidency.
The Supreme Court ruling during Smith’s tenure set a high standard for prosecuting former presidents’ official actions.
Despite legal hurdles, Smith’s report serves as his concluding assessment of findings and legal conclusions.
Future Paths for Report’s Disclosure
Garland plans to give Congress confidential access to Smith’s findings on classified documents with strict confidentiality rules.
Freedom of Information Act requests may provide another pathway for public release of report details.
Trump’s co-defendants argue that releasing the report could bias possible appeals if dismissed cases are reinstated.
The DOJ countered, asserting the plan protects sensitive information and complies with judicial oversight.
Timing Critical Before Trump’s Inauguration
Garland seeks to balance transparency and confidentiality as the January 20 inauguration deadline approaches.
Smith’s resignation marks the end of his role but leaves ongoing legal and political challenges for his investigations.
The release of Volume 1 remains possible by early next week if holds are lifted, barring further legal complications.
The court decisions this weekend may determine the report’s impact on Trump’s presidency and future investigations.
