A contentious interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt revealed former President Donald Trump's plans regarding the ongoing federal investigations against him.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump declared his intention to terminate special counsel Jack Smith immediately upon taking office if he wins the 2024 presidential election.
The former president's statement came in response to questions about his priorities regarding the federal charges he faces. During the radio interview, Trump expressed his disdain for Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022. The special counsel has been leading two significant federal investigations into Trump's actions following his presidency.
While Trump maintains he could order the Justice Department to remove Smith, legal experts note that the process might not be straightforward. Since Smith is not a presidential appointee, Trump would likely need additional administrative steps to accomplish the dismissal.
This scenario draws parallels to Trump's previous presidency when he attempted to terminate another special counsel. During the Robert S. Mueller III investigation, Trump instructed his then-White House counsel, Don McGahn, to pressure the Justice Department into removing Mueller. McGahn declined to follow through with the request.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between presidential authority and the independence of special counsel investigations. Trump's statement about firing Smith has already sparked discussions about potential congressional responses.
Smith's investigations have resulted in two major federal cases against the former president. The first case, concerning classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, was dismissed in July 2024, though Smith has appealed the decision.
The second case, which focuses on alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, has experienced delays. A Supreme Court ruling granting broad immunity for presidential actions has impacted the timeline of these proceedings.
Trump shared his thoughts during the interview with Hewitt, "It's so easy. I would fire him within two seconds. He'll be one of the first things addressed."
The Harris campaign has leveraged Smith's investigations in their political strategy. They recently released campaign materials featuring footage from the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack alongside findings from Smith's investigation.
Trump expressed confidence that firing Smith wouldn't trigger impeachment and dismissed concerns raised by Hewitt. He also praised U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, highlighting her judicial abilities despite never meeting her personally.
Trump's declaration about firing Smith represents a significant escalation in his approach to handling the federal investigations against him. The statement aligns with his previous criticisms of Smith, whom he has repeatedly labeled as "crooked."
The timing of this announcement comes as both federal cases continue to evolve through the legal system. While one case faces appeals and other experiences delays due to immunity questions, Trump's statement suggests he's already planning his response should he return to the White House.
