Special counsel Jack Smith plans to quit; Cannon appeal may continue

Special counsel Jack Smith plans to resign and wrap up his federal prosecutions of President-elect Donald Trump before Trump takes office and can fire him, according to a person familiar with Smith’s plans.

The Washington Post reported last week that Trump’s election victory had prompted the special counsel to start winding down the prosecutions instead of continuing court proceedings until Inauguration Day. Ending the two federal cases could allow Smith to deliver a final report detailing his findings to Attorney General Merrick Garland before Trump becomes the 47th president.