Special counsel Jack Smith has made a key decision ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, set for January 2025.

Smith has announced plans to resign from his position before Trump assumes office on Jan. 20, a decision that comes in anticipation of being fired by the incoming president, who has repeatedly stated his intention to remove the special counsel immediately after taking office, as the Daily Mail reports.

The prosecutions led by Smith involve serious allegations against Trump, including the retention of classified documents and actions surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol unrest.

These cases have drawn national attention and debate over their potential implications for presidential accountability.

Chronology of the Trump Investigation

Smith’s involvement in these high-profile cases began shortly after Trump's term ended. One of the two major cases focuses on classified documents retained by Trump after he left the presidency.

The second pivotal case addresses his attempts to contest the 2020 election results and their connection to the events of Jan. 6.

These investigations have been extensive, costing taxpayers about $50 million. Despite their complexity and high costs, both cases are reportedly close to conclusion as Trump prepares to re-enter the White House.

Recently, following Trump’s election victory, Smith requested a temporary halt to the Jan. 6 case to assess the situation and plan the future course of action.

This pause was granted by Judge Tanya Chutkan, vacating all scheduled trial deadlines.

The Legal Landscape and Smith’s Future Actions

Amid his potentially imminent resignation, Smith plans to compile a detailed report of his investigations, which will be handed over to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The decision on whether this report will be made public rests with Garland, guided by the policies of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ maintains a policy against prosecuting a sitting president, complicating any immediate legal actions against Trump once he is in office.

Furthermore, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year reinforced that a president could not be prosecuted for actions taken while in office, even after their term ends.

Smith's proactive approach in requesting a pause in legal proceedings reflects his intention to ensure that the investigations adhere to DOJ policies and are not influenced by political pressures.

Responses to Ongoing Legal Battles

Sources close to Smith have quoted him expressing a desire to conclude his work diligently and avoid the ignominy of a swift dismissal by the incoming administration. Trump, on his part, has not shied away from expressing his intentions openly, affirming he would fire Smith "within two seconds" of being sworn in.

The tension between the office of the special counsel and the president-elect underscores the charged political atmosphere surrounding these cases.

As the legal battles and political narratives unfold, the nation watches closely.

The outcomes of these investigations and the subsequent actions by the DOJ will set significant precedents regarding presidential conduct and the accountability mechanisms in place within the U.S. legal framework.