Special Counsel Jack Smith is set to retire before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, reportedly denying the president-elect the opportunity to fire him.
Smith is overseeing the federal criminal case against Trump, 78, related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election and the hoarding of classified documents. The work is about to be completed before the inauguration ceremony. The New York Times reported.
Mr. Smith's plan is to preempt Mr. Trump's promise to “fire” the special counsel within “two seconds” of taking office, a person familiar with the matter told the agency.
He plans to finish his job before Trump regains power and pursues those who have filed criminal charges against him.
The Justice Department has a longstanding policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents, and Justice Department officials reportedly recognize that continuing to prosecute is futile.
