WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, a source familiar with the matter said.
It was Smith’s office He is evaluating the best way to end his case in two outstanding federal criminal cases against Trumpbecause the Justice Department’s longstanding position is that it cannot charge a sitting president with a crime.
The New York Times It was first reported that Smith would resign.
Before Trump’s re-election last week, Smith and his team took significant steps in the election interference lawsuit against Trump. After Trump’s victory, the federal judge overseeing the case said would stop the process to give the special counsel’s office time to decide how to proceed.
Department of Justice inTrump dictated last year in the yearir investigation From efforts to cancel the 2020 presidential elections. But Smith’s case was blocked by the Supreme Court in July this year ruling that he has immunity for some conduct as president in the federal election interference case. Trump was indicted on the same four counts after a federal grand jury in August returned the substitute indictment in the case under the immunity ruling.
The Justice Department also charged Trump in Florida with mishandling classified documents after leaving office. But the federal judge was fired event in July He said that Smith’s appointment was illegal.
This is an evolving story. Please check for updates.
This is a is developing the story. Please check for updates.
Daniel Barnes and Dareh Gregorian contributed.