Trump can’t wait to get back in office. He wants to clean house immediately.
That’s why Donald Trump’s jaw hit the floor by this cowardly DOJ decision.
Special Counsel Jack Smith to Step Down Before Trump Takes Office Amid Ongoing Probes
Special Counsel Jack Smith is preparing to step down before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) official familiar with the matter. Smith, who has been overseeing the federal prosecutions against Trump, is in discussions with DOJ leadership about the process of winding down his investigations and office operations, the official said.
Smith’s departure comes as Trump has repeatedly threatened to remove him from his post. Despite these threats, Smith plans to leave his position before Trump officially assumes the presidency. These discussions go beyond the specifics of Trump’s criminal cases, also addressing the fate of other defendants involved in the classified documents investigation, as well as the future of the special counsel’s office, including budgetary and staffing concerns.
Trump persecutor Jack Smith plans to step down before Trump takes office
Let’s make 1 thing clear for Jack – you can run but you can’t hide
We’re going after all the corrupt snakes who destroyed the legitimacy of our institutions & weaponized our gov’t against political enemies pic.twitter.com/wZbwemfHQf
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 13, 2024
As part of his departure, Smith is required to submit a report on his work to Attorney General Merrick Garland. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the timing of this report’s release, particularly if it requires approval from the intelligence community. According to sources briefed on the matter, it remains unclear whether Smith’s departure would be delayed if the report has to undergo this additional review.
Smith is aiming to complete the report before Trump takes office, as Garland will need to review the document and decide whether any portions should be made public. One person familiar with the discussions noted that Garland’s decision on the report’s release will play a key role in the timing of Smith’s exit.
The New York Times was the first to report on Smith’s planned resignation, while Fox News, CNN, and ABC have all corroborated the news of Smith’s intentions to drop out while he has the chance.
Trump and his allies have long criticized Smith’s investigations, with the president-elect even vowing in October to use his presidential powers to end the special counsel’s probe. Trump stated he would fire Smith “within two seconds” if he assumed office. As president, Trump would have legal protections against prosecution that he did not have as a private citizen. A key Justice Department policy asserts that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for crimes, and a recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed Trump’s “absolute” immunity from prosecution for actions taken within the scope of his constitutional powers as president.
Before leaving, Smith faces important decisions regarding the two criminal cases he has brought against Trump. In Florida, Smith is appealing a ruling by Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the classified documents case. Cannon’s decision claimed that Smith was unconstitutionally appointed as special counsel and that his office’s funding violated the law.
Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, Smith’s team continues to push forward with a case alleging that Trump orchestrated a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election, particularly after the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity.
Is Jack Smith Admitting He’s Toast If He Sticks Around?
The prevaling message after this news seems to be that Jack Smith knows he is in trouble if he sticks around for a second Trump term. Why else would you dip out right before Donald Trump is inaugurated?
Jack Smith pre-election:
This has nothing to do with the election.
Jack Smith post-election:
We’re out.
Translation:
Admitting it was always about election interference.
Jack Smith must face investigations and accountability.
— 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) November 12, 2024
Recently, Congress sent Jack Smith a letter reminding him that he needs to maintain all records from his time as special counsel overseeing the Donald Trump cases regarding the Mar-a-Lago raid and the January 6, 2021 conspiracies.
Congress told Jack Smith that they are “concerned that the Office of Special Counsel may attempt to purge relevant records, communications, and documents responsive to our numerous requests for information. The Office of Special Counsel is not immune from transparency or above accountability for its actions.”
The letter, signed by many Republicans in Congress, added that they are making a “formal request to preserve all existing and future records and materials related to the Office of Special Counsel’s investigations and prosecutions of President Trump.”
Jack Smith:
Preserve your records. pic.twitter.com/Toazp1EATk
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) November 8, 2024
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
