Summary

Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to step down from the Justice Department before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, likely preventing Trump from firing him.

Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Trump’s handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, will issue a final report, as required by Justice Department rules, before exiting.

Both federal cases against Trump are expected to wind down, as DOJ policy prohibits prosecuting a sitting president.

Judge Tanya Chutkan has requested an update on the cases by December 2.