Special Counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the U.S. Department of Justice Building on August 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, a person familiar with the matter said.
Smith’s office is Evaluating the best way to end the two pending federal criminal cases against Trumpbecause the Justice Department’s long-standing position is that it cannot charge a sitting president with a crime.
this new york times Smith was first reported to be stepping down.
Smith and his team took significant steps in their election interference case against Trump ahead of his re-election last week. However, after Trump’s victory, the federal judge overseeing the case said She will pause the process Give the special counsel’s office time to decide how to proceed.
Ministry of Justice Indicted Trump last year in investigation His efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. But in July this year, Smith’s case was blocked by a Supreme Court ruling. ruled that he had immunity For certain conduct of the President in a federal election interference case. In August, Trump was indicted on the same four counts following a federal grand jury trial. superseding indictment After the immunity ruling.
The Justice Department also accused Trump of mishandling classified documents after leaving office in Florida. But a federal judge rejected Cases in July, Calling Smith’s appointment illegal.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
