Investigator of Trump's federal cases resigns from Justice Department

Jack Smith, the special counsel who led two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, has resigned from the US Justice Department. 

His departure, confirmed in a court filing, follows his conclusion of work on high-profile cases involving the former president.

Appointed in 2022, Smith oversaw investigations into Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Both cases resulted in criminal charges against Trump, who pleaded not guilty and claimed the prosecutions were politically motivated. However, the cases were closed last year after Trump won the presidential election, as Justice Department rules bar prosecuting a sitting president.

Smith's resignation was anticipated and allows him to exit without facing dismissal by Trump or the incoming attorney general. His departure means neither of the cases he pursued will go to trial.

The resignation comes amid controversy over Smith’s classified documents report. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily barred Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland from releasing the report, pending a higher court's review of an emergency appeal by Trump’s co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira. Both men had pleaded not guilty in the case.

Trump's legal team criticized the report, alleging Smith lacked the authority to file it and accusing the Justice Department of political bias. Garland has previously promised to release all special counsel reports to the public.

Separately, Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in a hush money case, avoiding jail time and fines but becoming the first U.S. president to take office with a felony conviction.

By Khagan Isayev