Special Counsel Jack Smith Requests Suspension of Deadlines in Trump Election Case

Special counsel Jack Smith has taken a significant step that could end the federal case against President-elect Donald Trump regarding 2020 election interference.

In a move immediately following Trump’s reelection, Smith filed to vacate all deadlines in the 2020 election interference case, suggesting a shift away from pursuing the outgoing charges, as Fox News reports.

Trump's reelection as President was clearly a key factor influencing this decision, which aligns with the Department of Justice's (DOJ) longstanding policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents.

Implications of DOJ Policy on Presidential Prosecutions

Despite the motion to vacate deadlines, the case against Trump has not been formally closed.

There are indications from Smith's office, however, that it might be heading in that direction, though no official end has been declared yet.

Smith also plans to release an updated status report on Dec. 2, providing more clarity on the posture of the federal case against Trump.

Trump's Past Threats to Dismiss Special Counsel Smith

During his campaign, Trump had publicly stated his intent to fire Smith "within two seconds" if he won reelection, a statement that underscored his contentious relationship with the Special Counsel appointed during his previous term.

Smith was initially appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 to probe into Trump's actions to overturn the 2020 election results and his management of classified documents post-presidency.

Trump was indicted in Washington, D.C., on charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the election results, with separate federal charges filed in Florida concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents, though that matter was dismissed by the presiding judge earlier this year and is currently the subject of an appeal by Smith.

Broader Impact of DOJ's Decision to Possibly End Cases

According to reports from Fox News, the DOJ has been considering concluding its criminal cases against Trump in both Washington, D.C. and Florida, due to both policy and constitutional concerns.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr supported this view, suggesting that the federal cases should be halted immediately, emphasizing that further legal actions would not serve any legitimate purpose and only distract the nation.

Barr criticized the ongoing prosecutions as a spectacle that could detract from the more urgent tasks facing the incoming administration.

Remaining Legal Challenges for Trump in State Courts

Although the federal cases might be winding down, Trump still faces significant legal challenges at the state level, particularly in Georgia and New York.

In New York, a decision is awaited next week from the presiding judge on whether to proceed with felony sentencing proceedings against Trump or to recognize claims of presidential immunity.

As the legal landscape evolves, the focus now shifts to how these state cases will proceed in light of the federal government's potential step back from pursuing charges against a sitting president.