Former special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Department of Justice (DOJ), ending a controversial tenure marked by high-profile investigations into President-elect Donald Trump. Smith’s departure, announced just days before Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, has sparked renewed debate over the politicization of federal agencies and the ongoing legal battles tied to his investigations.

Smith was tasked with overseeing two major cases: allegations of mishandling classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and accusations surrounding efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. However, his investigations have faced intense scrutiny, with critics accusing him of overstepping his mandate and pursuing politically motivated cases. President-elect Trump has been one of Smith’s most vocal opponents, branding the investigations a “complete and total Witch Hunt” and questioning why Smith was allowed to issue a report in the first place.

President-Elect Trump has consistently refuted all allegations, asserting that the cases against him stem from politically motivated actions aimed at undermining his presidency and policies.

Smith’s resignation comes as the DOJ faces mounting pressure over delays in releasing his final report. Legal battles involving President-Elect Trump and his co-defendants have stalled the publication of findings related to the Mar-a-Lago case. Attorney General Merrick Garland recently confirmed that the report would remain sealed due to an ongoing legal case, further fueling speculation about the DOJ’s handling of these cases.

Timing has played a significant role in shaping the narrative around Smith’s exit. Analysts suggest that his resignation may be tied to the impending leadership changes at the DOJ under Trump’s incoming administration. Trump’s team has vowed to investigate what they describe as the “weaponization” of the justice system, signaling potential accountability for those involved in launching investigations against him.

Smith’s work has drawn sharp criticism for its focus on Trump, with conservatives pointing to broader concerns about bias within federal agencies. They argue that Smith’s cases reflect a larger pattern of using the DOJ to target political opponents. Meanwhile, supporters of Smith claim his efforts were essential for upholding national security and election integrity.

As Smith departs, the broader implications of his tenure remain unresolved. The controversies surrounding his investigations and the delays in releasing his report leave lingering questions about the DOJ’s role in politically sensitive cases. With President-Elect Trump poised to take office in just days, the next chapter in this saga is likely to unfold under the spotlight of a closely watched administration determined to hold federal agencies accountable.