In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump pledged that, if re-elected, one of his first acts would be to “fire” Special Counsel Jack Smith, the prosecutor behind the federal indictments against him. Trump’s comments, made during a discussion with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, underscore his ongoing grievances with Smith, whom he has accused of partisanship and dishonesty. Trump’s criticisms center on Smith’s handling of two high-profile cases, which Trump believes were politically motivated attacks designed to weaken his 2024 presidential run.
Since being appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, Smith has led two investigations into Trump’s actions—the handling of classified documents and alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. For nearly two years, these investigations have been a focal point of public discourse, with Trump and his supporters arguing that Smith’s role is purely political. Appointed ostensibly to distance the Justice Department from the cases, Smith has faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his legal team, who claim his investigation has crossed ethical lines.
Asked about firing Smith if he were to win re-election, Trump responded without hesitation. “I would fire him within two seconds,” he said, adding that this would be among his first moves as president. Trump dismissed concerns that removing Smith would lead to political backlash or even another impeachment. He described Smith as a “scoundrel” and “dishonest man,” comments that reflect the contentious relationship between the former president and the special counsel.
Hewitt, pressing Trump on the broader implications, asked if firing Smith might prompt Congress to consider impeachment. Trump waved off the idea, appearing confident that neither Congress nor the public would see Smith’s termination as grounds for impeachment. “No, I don’t think they’ll impeach me if I fire Jack Smith,” Trump said, calling Smith a “very dishonest man” who “always goes too far.” Trump’s conviction about firing Smith stems from his belief that Smith’s investigations are more politically motivated than legally sound.
Further in the interview, Trump elaborated on what he perceives as political maneuvering in the investigations against him. He specifically cited U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed Smith’s classified documents case against him in South Florida, as an example of the legal support he claims to have. Trump asserted that, despite the legal challenges, he expects to win in court, even if it means going to appeal.
“I think we’re in the process of winning all the other cases, even if we have to appeal,” he stated. Trump argued that the cases Smith has brought against him are failing, and that any perceived threats to his campaign are dissipating. He expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges with support from his legal team and the Supreme Court, especially after a recent ruling that granted him immunity in cases related to his official acts as president.
” target=”_blank”>
While Trump’s comments have invigorated his supporters, others view them as problematic. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign pounced on the remarks, claiming they reveal Trump’s disregard for the rule of law. A spokesperson for Harris said, “Donald Trump thinks he’s above the law, and these latest comments are right in line with the warnings made by Trump’s former Chief of Staff that he wants to rule as a dictator with unchecked power.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea of firing a special counsel. During his first term, Trump reportedly considered firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. However, at that time, White House lawyers advised him against the move, warning of potential consequences, including the possibility of impeachment. The issue divided even some of his Republican allies, many of whom were wary of what a dismissal might mean for Trump’s presidency.
In an analysis, Newsweek assessed Trump’s recent remarks, weighing whether a second-term president could realistically fire a special counsel like Smith without facing severe consequences. The outlet noted that, despite Trump’s rhetoric, the actual probability of him following through remains low, primarily because of the complex legal and political consequences involved. Newsweek concluded it was “possible but unlikely” that Trump would fire Smith, citing that White House legal advisers would likely urge caution to avoid potential fallout, including another impeachment process. Given that Trump has already been impeached twice, the calculus may differ, with some speculating he may feel emboldened by his past experiences.
Supporters of the ruling view Smith’s removal as a necessary step for a return to a “fair and neutral” Justice Department, believing that special counsel investigations have often been politically weaponized. For Trump, dismissing Smith would symbolize a broader reset of the Justice Department and an end to what he perceives as undue federal scrutiny. For critics, however, such a dismissal would be a continuation of what they see as a power grab by Trump and an erosion of the checks and balances between the executive branch and the judicial process.
Looking ahead, Trump’s promise to dismiss Smith if elected is likely to remain a significant campaign talking point. His commitment to firing Smith is not only a statement on the current investigations but also a message to his base, affirming that he believes he has been unfairly targeted. It could also be a rallying cry for voters frustrated with what they see as political interference in the justice system, strengthening Trump’s message of draining the swamp and upending what he considers an overly partisan legal establishment.
Whether or not Trump could actually fire Smith remains an open question, but his promise has further charged an already contentious election, setting the stage for a high-stakes 2024 race with profound implications for the balance of power in Washington.