Jack Smith, who has served as a special counsel for more than two years, has resigned from the Department of Justice, stepping down after facing significant hurdles in his prosecutions of President-elect Donald Trump.

The cases against Trump were effectively abandoned in the wake of his election victory and as a result of the DOJ's policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents, as the Daily Wire reports.

Smith's Journey as Special Counsel Begins

Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, Smith was tasked with leading investigations into allegations against Trump. The former president faced accusations of attempting to subvert the 2020 election results and improperly handling classified materials. These cases, however, encountered numerous obstacles that eventually led to their dismissal.

The legal process proved to be a tumultuous path, as procedural and judicial hurdles arose. One critical development was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling which favored Trump by offering a significant degree of immunity to former presidents for their official actions. This decision was a major impediment to Smith's efforts.

Coupled with the Supreme Court's decision, the Department of Justice maintains a longstanding policy of refraining from prosecuting current presidents, adding further complications to Smith's prosecutions.

Legal Challenges and Delays

The cases against Trump suffered considerable delays, primarily due to tactics employed by Trump's legal team. Their ability to navigate the legal system effectively prolonged proceedings, resulting in what some described as a deadlock. Justice Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, played a pivotal role in dismissing the case involving classified documents, compounding the setbacks faced by Smith.

Smith, however, remained vocal about the significance of the charges. In August 2023, during his first public address, he highlighted the seriousness of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. He accused Trump of spreading falsehoods aimed at disrupting the government's core functions, bringing attention to the indictment against the former president.

The political ramifications of these prosecutions were not lost on Trump, who dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks. Trump's assertions resonated with his supporters, resulting in increased campaign contributions.

Smith's Departure and Its Implications

Following Smith's resignation on Friday, as Trump prepares to re-enter the White House later in January, discussions about these legal battles raised questions about their potential impact on Trump's presidency. Smith's decision to step down marked an end to his efforts to hold Trump accountable at the federal level. No former president had faced such concentrated prosecutorial focus as Trump did during Smith's tenure.

The resignation brought to light the complexities inherent in holding a former president legally accountable. Smith acknowledged the challenges posed by the Department of Justice policy against indicting sitting presidents, which ultimately rendered the charges "untenable," as reported by Reuters.

As this chapter closes, the ramifications are manifold. While Smith's departure signifies an end to federal prosecutions against Trump, the former president's legal journey may not be entirely over, as state-level investigations could still pose hurdles.

Unraveling the Roadblocks

Trump consistently asserted his innocence throughout these proceedings, attributing the legal scrutiny to partisan politics. His claims found traction among supporters who viewed the allegations against him as attempts to undermine his political ambitions.

Amid the legal turmoil, the Supreme Court's decision stood out as a decisive factor. By granting Trump immunity for his actions while in office, the ruling curtailed the prosecutorial avenues available to Smith and others aiming to hold the former president accountable.

The intersection of legal processes and political realities became increasingly apparent, emphasizing the complexities involved in pursuing such high-profile cases.

Looking Ahead in U.S. Politics

As Trump prepares to re-assume the presidency, questions linger about how this might influence his forthcoming term in office. The challenges he faced during Smith's investigations may inform his approach moving forward, particularly concerning actions taken during and after his presidency.

Smith's tenure as special counsel drew significant public and media attention. His resignation underscores the intricacies and hurdles associated with holding high-ranking officials accountable within the framework of existing legal and political systems.

The saga of Trump's legal challenges encapsulates the friction between opposing political forces, highlighting broader themes of accountability and justice within the U.S. political landscape.

With Smith's departure from the DOJ, a new chapter in American politics begins, setting the stage for ongoing debate and scrutiny. Whether this influences Trump's legacy or the future of presidential accountability remains to be seen.