Special Counsel Jack Smith has officially resigned from his position at the Department of Justice as of January 10, 2025, after concluding his investigations involving former President Donald Trump.
Fox News reported that Smith's extensive probe into the 2020 election interference and the Mar-a-Lago documents case culminated in the submission of his final report on January 7, signaling the end of his tenure.
Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, Smith was entrusted with a significant undertaking within the DOJ.
His role was specifically targeted at dissecting complexities surrounding the 2020 election and the mishandling of classified documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
Before this role, Jack Smith held a notable position as the acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee back in 2017, during President Trump’s first administration. His legal career at that time positioned him well for the challenges he would face as a Special Counsel.
Throughout his investigation, Smith navigated a politically charged environment, which culminated with his recent actions following Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.
This included filing motions to dismiss charges against the President-elect—highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding his probe.
In what would become one of his final acts as Special Counsel, Smith’s motions aimed to clear the ongoing legal battleground before Trump’s second term began. His resignation was discreetly revealed in a court document footnote this past Saturday, signifying a quiet conclusion to a highly scrutinized role.
The court’s decision on January 9, against blocking the release of Smith’s final report, set the stage for increased public transparency.
This decision was crucial, as it adhered to legal expectations and the public’s right to understand the intricacies of the inquiries Smith was appointed to lead.
Within the court filing that noted his resignation, a clear message was appended: "The Special Counsel completed his work and submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025, and separated from the Department on January 10," indicating the official end of his duties at the DOJ.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has pledged to make Smith’s findings as accessible as possible. In a recent communiqué with key legal overseers, Garland reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, respecting the constraints of law and departmental policy.
The response to Smith’s investigation and his subsequent report has not been without controversy. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to articulate his views, staunchly criticizing the legal proceedings he faced.
Trump described these actions as “empty and lawless” and indicative of a “political hijacking.” This sharp critique reflects the polarized views surrounding the entire investigation.
Trump's statement also underscored his resilience and triumphant return to power, encapsulated by his call to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"—a slogan that resonated with his base throughout his political campaigns.
With Smith's final report poised for release, possibly before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the political and legal communities are bracing for its contents, which could shed new light on the events leading up to and following the contentious 2020 election.
This anticipated disclosure aligns with the DOJ's intent to ensure accountability and transparency, key tenets of the justice system under Garland’s jurisdiction.