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U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led federal cases against Donald Trump, has resigned following the Republican president-elect's win. Smith's resignation, effective Jan. 10, was revealed in a court filing seeking to lift a block on his final report. The filing noted Smith had completed his investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Smith brought historic indictments against Trump, accusing him of retaining sensitive national security documents and obstructing the 2020 election results. However, legal setbacks and Trump’s election victory halted progress. A Florida judge dismissed the classified documents case, citing Smith's improper appointment, while the Supreme Court ruled Trump had immunity for many presidential actions.
Smith’s cases, launched under Attorney General Merrick Garland, faced political and legal challenges. Trump, who denied wrongdoing, labeled the prosecutions politically motivated. His court appearances fueled campaign donations and bolstered his narrative of political persecution.
After winning the November election against Kamala Harris, Trump dropped Smith’s cases, citing DOJ rules against prosecuting sitting presidents. Smith defended his work but acknowledged the cases' collapse due to Trump's impending presidency.
The New York hush money case ended with Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records, though sentencing was delayed. In Georgia, election interference charges remain stalled amid legal disputes.
Smith’s resignation marks the end of efforts to hold Trump accountable through federal charges, sparking debate over political motivations and legal independence. Trump is set to return to office amid lingering controversies and plans for potential retribution against his investigators.
Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, returned to Washington to lead these unprecedented cases, leaving behind a contentious legacy.
