Jack Smith, the special counsel responsible for leading the prosecution against former U.S. President Donald Trump, has resigned and fled the country ahead of Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2025. According to official statements submitted to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, Smith completed his work and submitted a final confidential report on January 7, 2025, before leaving the U.S. Department of Justice on January 10.
Smith had overseen key cases involving Trump, including allegations of mishandling confidential documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Appointed in November 2022, Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, had been tasked with investigating these critical issues. However, with Trump’s election victory in November 2024, Smith dismissed the charges against Trump, citing a Justice Department policy that prevents prosecuting sitting presidents.
Smith's resignation effectively collapses the legal challenges against Trump, clearing the way for him to assume office without legal repercussions. Trump had previously threatened to remove Smith once he returns to the presidency for a second term. This development signals a significant shift in the legal landscape as Trump prepares for his second term in office.
