Ex-special counsel Jack Smith's resignation has sparked new controversy.
Ex-special counsel Jack Smith, tasked with investigating President-elect Donald Trump, resigned as Trump criticized his efforts and incorrectly stated he was dismissed from the Department of Justice, the Washington Examiner reported.
Jack Smith, who led the high-profile criminal investigations into allegations of mishandling classified documents by Trump and issues connected to the January 6, 2021, riot, left the Justice Department on a Saturday.
His departure occurred approximately two years after his appointment. Following his electoral victory on November 5, Trump saw the investigations that Smith spearheaded come to an end.
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced plans to release Smith's comprehensive report on the January 6 occurrences before Trump's inauguration.
However, he decided to withhold the publication of the report related to the investigation into the classified documents. Smith completed and submitted his final reports to the Justice Department on the preceding Tuesday.
Before his resignation, Smith had planned to leave the Justice Department before Trump took office, reflecting on the termination of his investigations. In the wake of his departure, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to voice his displeasure.
Trump launched a series of attacks against Jack Smith on Truth Social, falsely claiming that Smith had fired him and denouncing both Smith’s character and the outcomes of his investigations.
Throughout his legal challenges, Trump consistently expressed his disapproval of Smith's actions, labeling them in public speeches, online posts, and during rallies.
Before this, Jack Smith's tenure at the DOJ was marked by a focus on legal challenges involving Trump. He scrutinized both the handling of classified files and the aftermath of the Capitol riot.
From President-elect Donald Trump: "Deranged Jack Smith was fired today by the DOJ. He is a disgrace to himself, his family, and his Country. After spending over $100,000,000 on the Witch Hunt against TRUMP, he left town empty handed!"
Trump continued his critique, further condemning the cost and implications of the investigations that he deemed fruitless and damaging to multiple people and their families.
From President-elect Donald Trump: "The Stench of Deranged Jack Smith and his thugs is GONE. They were sent packing after spending over $100,000,000, destroying the lives of many people and families, who will never be the same again. Deranged Jack accomplished nothing, except to show what complete losers my political opponents are!!!"
Tensions continue to rise during the transition period before Trump's inauguration as officials prepare to release significant reports and disclosures. Trump illustrates his ongoing contention with the justice system through pointed remarks, accusing it of bias against him during his candidacy and presidency.
Jack Smith's departure from the DOJ marks the end of his notable but contentious role in a pivotal chapter of political and legal examination in America. His resignation halted investigations into the actions of a sitting president, leaving a resounding impact on the political landscape. Observers expect the implications of his findings and the discussions surrounding them to persist as the administration transitions.
