Special Counsel Jack Smith has officially left the US Department of Justice, following the submission of his final confidential report on the investigation into Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. According to a court filing, Smith completed his work and submitted the report on January 7, 2025, before separating from the Department on January 10.
The report focuses on two key cases: Trump’s role in the January 6, 2020 insurrection at the US Capitol, and the case of Trump’s withholding of classified documents after leaving the White House. Despite Trump’s claims that Smith was “fired” by the Department of Justice, officials maintain that Smith’s departure was a standard procedure after completing his assignment.
The Justice Department is urging US District Judge Aileen Cannon not to extend her order blocking the release of Smith’s final report. With the hold set to expire soon, the legal battle over the report’s release is intensifying, particularly as Trump’s inauguration as America’s 47th president approaches on January 20.
Smith had previously accused Trump of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Although Smith dropped the cases against Trump after his presidential election win, the special counsel’s report is expected to provide valuable insights into the investigation. The Justice Department plans to publicly release the findings, arguing that Judge Cannon lacks the authority to block the attorney general from releasing the report.
