Trump said he'd fire Smith, but Smith expects to leave before he takes over.

Special Prosecutor Jack Smith intends to step down before newly elected President Donald Trump takes office and is discussing the procedures to close federal criminal prosecutions against him with the Justice Department leadership, said an official of this department, who was familiar with the discussions.

Trump threatened to fire Smith, but Smith expects to leave before Trump takes over.

Talks between Smith and Justice Department leaders lie beyond Trump's criminal cases, on questions about what to do with other defendants in the case of classified documents, as well as with the special prosecutor's office and what happens to its budget and staff, CNN writes.

 

 

Smith is asked to produce a report on his work for Attorney General Merrick Garland. It is not clear whether Smith's departure time will be postponed if he should hand over his report to the intelligence community for approval, according to people informed with discussions.

Smith is working to complete the report before Trump takes office, as Garland will have to approve it and decide whether to publish any of it publicly, said a well-known person with discussions.

The New York Times reported on Smith's resignation plans.