Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed in November 2022 to lead two Justice Department investigations into then-President-elect Donald Trump, has officially stepped down.
The revelation came through a Justice Department court filed on Saturday, January 10, detailing Smith’s resignation and its implications for the ongoing legal proceedings.
Jack Smith’s Appointment
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith as special counsel to oversee two DOJ driven investigations into Donald Trump.
This appointment is in dispute since it did not go through the normal special council approval process.
The first focused on Trump’s actions following the 2020 presidential election, while the second centered on his handling of classified documents. Both investigations led to criminal charges against Trump, who has consistently pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
Several former Presidents, as well as former VP Pence have retained classified documents. The list even includes President Joe Biden for retaining classified documents from when he was Vice President. Biden shared the documents with his biographer.