Trump Administration Removes DOJ Officials Involved In Jack Smith Investigations

The Justice Department has dismissed more than a dozen officials tied to investigations into President Donald Trump, according to a DOJ source. Acting Attorney General James McHenry made the decision, stating these individuals could not be trusted to carry out the administration’s goals effectively.

Termination letters were sent to employees who worked under Special Counsel Jack Smith. A DOJ official noted, “The Acting Attorney General does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the president’s agenda.” Their roles in investigating Trump’s handling of classified documents and actions related to the 2020 election were a significant factor in their dismissal.

Jack Smith, appointed in 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, oversaw two major investigations involving Trump. Both cases were dismissed following Trump’s 2024 election victory, and Smith resigned after completing his final report. His investigation into the retention of classified documents was invalidated after a judge ruled his appointment was unlawful.

On the same day, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., began an internal review of charges filed in cases related to Jan. 6. Prosecutors have been asked to submit records and emails regarding obstruction charges, which the Supreme Court later determined were overused by federal prosecutors.

The changes come as part of broader reforms within the Justice Department. High-level officials, including members of the criminal and national security sections, have been reassigned under the Trump administration’s agenda to end the perceived politicization of federal institutions.

Smith’s final report stated that his team had gathered sufficient evidence to prosecute Trump, but legal actions were dropped after the election due to federal policies prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.