The political landscape sees another dramatic turn as former President Donald Trump launches fresh criticism against Special Counsel Jack Smith.
According to Fox News, President-elect Trump strongly criticized Special Counsel Jack Smith on social media following Smith's resignation from the Department of Justice, calling him a "disgrace" and claiming he left "empty handed."
The announcement of Smith's departure came through a court filing on Saturday, which stated that the Special Counsel had completed his work and submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025, before officially separating from the Department on January 10. This development marks a significant milestone in the high-profile investigations that have dominated headlines for over two years.
Attorney General Merrick Garland initially appointed Smith in November 2022 to investigate two major cases involving Trump: his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the alleged mishandling of classified documents.
The investigation, which reportedly cost over $100 million according to Trump's statements, concluded shortly after Trump's presidential election victory in November.
Smith's resignation follows his recent actions to conclude the cases against Trump. In late November, he filed motions to drop the charges related to the Capitol riot and requested the vacation of all deadlines in that case. These moves were widely anticipated following Trump's electoral victory.
Trump took to Truth Social to express his views on Smith's departure, stating:
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!
Attorney General Garland has expressed his commitment to making Smith's report as public as possible, working within legal requirements and Department policy. This intention was communicated in a recent letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and ranking member Jamie Raskin.
The timing of the report's release has become a matter of particular interest, as it may be published before Trump assumes office next week.
A federal appeals court judge has already ruled against blocking the release of Smith's report, clearing a potential obstacle to its publication.
Trump responded to the conclusion of the cases with characteristic defiance on Truth Social:
These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought. It was a political hijacking, and a low point in the History of our Country that such a thing could have happened, and yet, I persevered, against all odds, and WON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Special Counsel Jack Smith has concluded his role at the Department of Justice following a two-year investigation into former President Donald Trump's actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot and classified documents handling.
The investigation, which began in November 2022 under Attorney General Merrick Garland's appointment, reached its conclusion with Smith's resignation on January 10, 2025, following Trump's presidential election victory. The imminent release of Smith's final report, coupled with Trump's vocal criticism of the investigation, sets the stage for potential further developments as the presidential transition approaches.
