Context:

The Justice Department has dismissed additional prosecutors and support staff involved in the special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations against Donald Trump, covering charges related to classified documents and election interference. These dismissals are part of a broader pattern of terminations targeting those involved in legal actions against Trump and his allies, with previous firings affecting prosecutors involved in Capitol riot cases. The legal proceedings against Trump for hoarding classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election were both halted before reaching trial. The Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the election interference case by granting former presidents broad immunity, while a Trump-appointed judge dismissed the classified documents case, citing the illegality of Smith's appointment. Following Trump's electoral victory and a Justice Department opinion shielding sitting presidents from federal prosecution, Smith withdrew the cases in November 2024.

Dive Deeper:

• The Justice Department has recently terminated additional legal staff involved in Jack Smith's prosecutions of Donald Trump, affecting cases related to classified documents and election interference.

• This wave of firings is part of a larger pattern extending over months, specifically targeting personnel involved in legal matters against Trump and his supporters, including those related to the U.S. Capitol riot.

• In previous months, the department had already dismissed numerous prosecutors from various cases against Trump, reflecting ongoing upheaval within the department regarding these high-profile legal proceedings.

• Legal actions against Trump, including accusations of hoarding classified documents and conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, were withdrawn before trial due to judicial and procedural obstacles.

• The Supreme Court's decision significantly restricted the election interference case, citing broad immunity for former presidents, while a Trump-appointed judge ruled against the classified documents case based on the legality of Smith's role.

• Smith decided to withdraw both cases in November 2024 after Trump's electoral win, aligning with a Justice Department opinion that federal prosecution of sitting presidents is not permissible.

• These developments underscore the complex legal and political interplays affecting high-profile cases against former and current political figures in the United States.