Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested a suspension of all deadlines in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump concerning the 2020 election. This request comes as prosecutors evaluate their next steps following Trump’s recent presidential victory. Reports indicate that Smith intends to conclude his prosecutions against Trump before the former president resumes office.
Smith’s request to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, which was promptly granted, seeks a pause in the federal case related to Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Smith plans to submit a status report on December 2 outlining the prosecution’s future course of action. He cited the need for time to assess the unprecedented situation and align with Department of Justice policy.
Following Trump’s win, reports suggest that Smith and the DOJ are considering how to terminate their two criminal cases against Trump before Inauguration Day, adhering to the longstanding DOJ policy that prohibits the prosecution of sitting presidents.
Additionally, Smith is tasked with drafting a final report on his investigations into Trump. Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to release this report publicly if completed during the Biden administration. However, if submitted to a future Trump-appointed attorney general, the report may remain confidential.
Trump has pledged to dismiss Smith immediately upon taking office if the special counsel has not concluded his work by the time of Trump’s inauguration.