Justice Department fires more than a dozen key officials on former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team

The Justice Department is making waves with the recent firing of several key officials who were part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team prosecuting President Donald Trump. Acting Attorney General James McHenry made the decision to terminate these officials, citing a lack of trust in their ability to faithfully implement the president’s agenda.

In a letter sent to each official, McHenry outlined the reasons for their termination. While the exact number of officials who received the letter has not been disclosed, the move signals a significant shake-up within the department.

According to a DOJ official, the decision to fire these officials is in line with the department’s mission to end the weaponization of government. This action follows the reassignment of more than a dozen officials in the first week of the Trump administration to a Sanctuary City task force and other initiatives.

Former Attorney General Merrick Garland had appointed Jack Smith as special counsel in November 2022. Smith, a former Justice Department official with a background as an assistant U.S. attorney, led the investigation into Trump’s retention of classified documents after leaving the White House. He also oversaw the probe into whether Trump obstructed the federal government’s investigation into the matter.

Additionally, Smith was tasked with investigating any interference with the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election, including the events surrounding the certification of the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump was charged in both cases, but pleaded not guilty.

However, the cases against Trump were eventually dismissed. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled that Smith was unlawfully appointed as special counsel in the classified records case. In the 2020 election case, Smith sought to dismiss the charges after Trump was elected president, and the case was ultimately dismissed by Judge Tanya Chutkan.

The decision to fire these key officials marks a significant development in the ongoing political landscape. As the Justice Department continues to navigate the complexities of high-profile cases, the repercussions of these terminations remain to be seen. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.