AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File
Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to step down before President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Smith, the prosecutor who spearheaded two federal cases against Trump, intends to complete his work and leave his post before January, sources told the New York Times on Wednesday.
With Trump vowing to fire Smith “within two seconds” of his inauguration, the special counsel’s decision is partly strategic, ensuring his investigations conclude on his own terms. Smith’s goal, sources say, is to prevent a handover of unfinished business and avoid what he anticipates would be an immediate dismissal from Trump’s administration.
Appointed to the role two years ago, the New York Times reported that Trump’s imminent return threatened the viability of his investigations, prompting Smith to wind down his efforts in what he calls an “unprecedented circumstance.”
Smith’s team filed last week for a month-long pause in deadlines for Trump’s case related to 2020 election interference, setting a December 2 deadline to decide how to wrap up. In his filing, Smith noted he needed time “to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.”
Despite setbacks, Smith remains committed to delivering a final report summarizing his findings, which will be presented to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
