Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Department of Justice as President Trump’s efforts to block the release of the final report on the Russia investigation continue to escalate.
Smith, who was appointed as special counsel to oversee the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, submitted his resignation to Attorney General William Barr on Friday. In his resignation letter, Smith cited the ongoing legal battles between the DOJ and the White House over the release of the final report as his reason for stepping down.
The resignation of Smith, who has been a key figure in the investigation since its inception, comes at a critical time for the Department of Justice. President Trump has been increasingly vocal in his opposition to the release of the final report, claiming that it is biased and politically motivated.
The battle over the release of the report has been brewing for months, with the DOJ and the White House locked in a legal standoff over the issue. President Trump has repeatedly accused the DOJ of conducting a “witch hunt” against him and his administration, while Democrats have called for the full release of the report to the public.
Smith’s resignation is likely to further complicate the situation, as he was seen as a neutral and independent figure overseeing the investigation. With his departure, there are concerns that the integrity of the investigation could be compromised, and that the final report may be subject to further delays or alterations.
In a statement released following his resignation, Smith expressed his disappointment that the investigation had become so politicized and contentious. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in government, and urged the DOJ to release the final report in its entirety.
The resignation of special counsel Jack Smith is a significant development in the ongoing saga of the Russia investigation. As President Trump continues to fight against the release of the final report, the future of the investigation and its findings remain uncertain. The American public, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, are eagerly awaiting the release of the report to shed light on the extent of Russian interference in the 2016 election and any potential collusion with the Trump campaign.