Bye-Bye, Jack Smith
AtlanticNOV 11 2024
US Department of Justice (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith, who has been leading two federal cases against the now Pres.-elect Donald Trump for two years, is reportedly going to resign from his position before Trump takes office in late January.
Multiple news outlets said that Smith's office is working on a plan to finish the investigations and submit a report of his findings and decisions, as Trump has pledged to fire the special counsel within "two seconds" of taking office.Multiple news outlets said that Smith's office is working on a plan to finish the investigations and file a report of his findings and decisions, as Trump has pledged to fire the special counsel within "two seconds" of taking office.
Smith is required to submit a confidential report to Attorney General (AG) Merrick Garland, who has reportedly hinted that he will make it public before Trump's inauguration. Garland's successor under Trump can make the same decision.Under DOJ regulations, Smith must submit a confidential report to the US attorney general. Current AG Merrick Garland has hinted that he will make it public, but his successor could decide not to release the report.
Through his unfortunate win at the ballot box, Trump has officially avoided facing justice for the severe crimes he was headed to trial for. If the election of a convicted felon wasn't enough, the American people must now watch Smith's years-long investigation crumble before their eyes. Trump will now also be in charge of the DOJ, which means justice-seeking lawyers like Smith will be wiped from the federal government.
If justice were to actually prevail in this case, Jack Smith would face charges upon his departure from the DOJ. Smith, at the direction of AG Garland and Pres. Biden, unlawfully indicted Trump and sought to imprison him before the American people could elect their preferred candidate. At the very least, he should be required not to destroy any documents related to the witch hunts he brought against Trump.