Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump intends to discharge special counsel Jack Smith right after resuming office if he wins the presidency.
– Trump claims the dismissal of Smith, who indicted him over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, will be a primary priority.
– Election rival, Kamala Harris, is leveraging findings from Smith’s investigations against Trump in her campaign.
– Despite Trump’s intention, he might not execute the dismissal single-handedly as Smith isn’t a presidential appointee.
– Trump shrugged off concerns about a potential impeachment resulting from his decision to fire Smith.
Trump Promises Swift Action Against Smith
Asuming office, should he win the upcoming election. During the radio interview, Trump was asked to choose between pardoning himself or eliminating Smith to thwart the criminal charges against him. Without hesitating, he declared, “It’s so easy. I would fire him within two seconds.”
Trump’s History with Smith
Trump, frequently critical of Smith, has previously hinted at the possibility of dismissing him. He also referred to Smith as a “crooked person” during the interview. Smith, the brainchild of Attorney General Merrick Garland since 2022, has taken serious legal actions against Trump. These include indicting the former president over alleged mismanagement of classified documents and his efforts to reverse the 2020 elections.
However, Trump may face some hindrances in his pursuit to relieve Smith. As Smith is not a direct presidential appointee, Trump might need the assistance of the Justice Department to execute this plan. During Trump’s presidency, he attempted to oust special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Despite pushing for Mueller’s termination, his then White House counsel, Donald McGahn, refused to comply.
The Pending Cases Against Trump
Smith heads two federal cases against Trump. The first, accusing Trump of unlawfully possessing classified documents at his Florida-based Mar-a-Lago estate, was dismissed earlier this year. Smith is currently appealing this decision. Conversely, the second case, charging Trump with felonies linked to his actions post-2020 elections, faces delay due to a Supreme Court opinion granting presidential immunity for official deeds.
Kamala Harris and Trump’s Legal Woes
While Trump faces legal challenges, his political opponent, Kamala Harris, leverages this situation. Her campaign recently released a video featuring the controversial Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and significant headlines from Smith’s investigation. Her campaign strategy seeks to remind voters of Trump’s alleged misdeeds during his presidency.
In contrast to his harsh comments about Smith, Trump lauded U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who he appointed and who dismissed the classified documents case. Describing her as a “brave, brilliant judge,” he expressed admiration for her decision.
Potential Impeachment Doubts
In the interview, despite the host raising the possibility of impeachment if he disbanded Smith, Trump dismissed these concerns. He confidently predicted that there wouldn’t be an impeachment resulting from his actions.
Meanwhile, Trump awaits sentencing for a felony criminal conviction in a New York case concerning a hush-money payment to a porn actor. This forms a separate case unrelated to Smith’s investigations, adding to the list of legal concerns for the former president.
In conclusion, Trump’s intention to oust Smith forms a significant part of his potential modus operandi if he wins the forthcoming election. It also presents a litmus test on presidential power, raising questions concerning the line between implanted political appointees and the executive arm’s direct influence.