### Special Counsel Jack Smith Plans to Conclude Trump Investigations Before Inauguration Day

Special Counsel Jack Smith is reportedly set to resign and close the two ongoing prosecutions against President-elect Donald Trump before Trump assumes office. Smith aims to issue a final report summarizing his extensive investigations, but the timeline for the report's public release remains uncertain. The special counsel's pending legal obligations, including a critical Dec. 2 filing in the election case and an appeal in the documents case, suggest the report will not be available before these legal procedures conclude.

Smith faces numerous challenges that could delay the release of his final report. One significant hurdle is the intelligence agencies' mandatory review for classified information, especially given the sensitive nature of the documents Trump took to Mar-a-Lago. This review process can be lengthy, as evidenced by the time it took for Robert Hur's report to be completed. Sources indicate that unforeseen court rulings or other last-minute developments could also affect Smith's timeline, even though he aims to finish his work and vacate his position by January 20.

The findings from Smith's investigations have been detailed in various court filings, outlining allegations against Trump. In the election case, Smith's team claims that Trump knowingly pushed false election fraud claims after the 2020 election and took various actions to alter the results, including pressuring state officials and orchestrating a fake electors scheme. Trump's alleged inaction during the January 6 Capitol riot and his indifference toward Vice President Mike Pence's security were also highlighted.

In the documents case, Trump is accused of taking classified White House records to his Mar-a-Lago residence and deliberately refusing to hand them over to the government, even instructing aides to conceal them. These documents were allegedly stored in various unsecured locations within the venue, raising significant security concerns.

With Smith's anticipated departure, Trump would be spared from the potential of firing the special counsel, as he has previously vowed to do. Still, Trump has indicated possible retaliation against Smith, even suggesting he should be deported. House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan has also signaled forthcoming congressional inquiries, urging Smith to preserve all relevant records.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith as special counsel in November 2022 to impartially oversee the federal investigations involving Trump. Smith's tenure led to Trump's unprecedented indictment on 44 felony counts. However, delays in legal proceedings have postponed both cases, with trials initially scheduled for March and May now uncertain.

Trump continues to deny all charges and criticizes the prosecutions as politically motivated attacks intended to sabotage his presidential campaign. The forthcoming months will unveil both the legal and political ramifications of these high-profile investigations.