**Special Counsel Nears Decision in Trump 2020 Election Case**

In a notable development, special counsel Jack Smith announced he could reach a resolution by December 2 regarding Donald Trump's criminal case tied to the 2020 election. This was revealed to federal District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday, requesting that all upcoming deadlines be removed to allow his office the space to decide the next steps, given Trump's anticipated return to the presidency. Judge Chutkan agreed to this request.

Smith's public pronouncement marks a significant indicator that the investigation is nearing its conclusion. According to CNN, Smith has actively engaged in discussions with senior officials at the Justice Department to determine the approach for the case. The prosecutors' one-page filing highlighted the implications of the recent election, in which Trump is projected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, with an inauguration set for January 20, 2025.

"Due to the election on November 5, 2024, the Government requests the Court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to allow time to assess this unprecedented circumstance," the prosecutors stated, emphasizing their need for time. They also committed to updating the Court by December 2, 2024, with the results of their deliberations.

Meanwhile, House Republicans have taken a proactive stance as Trump edges closer to stepping back into the White House. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and GOP Representative Barry Loudermilk, who oversees the investigation into the former January 6 committee, have issued a letter to Smith. They called on him to preserve his records and comply with their earlier requests.

Trump has consistently stated his intentions to dismiss Smith and terminate the federal cases against him related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the mishandling of classified documents.