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Smith to Resign Before Trump's Inauguration
Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to resign before Trump's inauguration, potentially preempting his dismissal. The timing of the report submission and its potential release remain uncertain. Trump's team continues to challenge the investigations.
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PoliticsUs PoliticsInvestigationLawResignationReport
Department Of JusticeSupreme CourtNew York Times
Jack SmithDonald TrumpMerrick GarlandJoe Biden
- What legal arguments is Trump's team using?
- The legal team for Trump argues that a president-elect holds the same protections as a sitting president. They are pressing for the dismissal of all charges against Trump, including those from the special counsel's investigation and the New York case.
- Why is Jack Smith resigning before January 20th?
- Jack Smith, the special counsel investigating Donald Trump, plans to resign before Trump's inauguration on January 20th. This preemptive resignation is likely to avoid being fired by Trump, who has publicly stated his intent to dismiss Smith.
- Will Jack Smith submit his report before resigning?
- Smith's resignation may occur before he submits his report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, as legally required. Whether Garland will make this report public before January 20th remains unknown; Smith intends to submit it before resigning.
- How does Trump's team view the investigation by Jack Smith?
- Trump and his allies frequently cite Smith's investigation as an example of political bias against Trump by the Biden administration. Trump has also claimed the right to intervene in Justice Department decisions once he becomes president.
- What is the significance of the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity?
- US presidents have never been prosecuted by the Department of Justice. A Supreme Court ruling granted Trump "absolute" immunity for actions during his presidency, though its impact on Smith's investigations is unclear.