Here is a short, interesting headline: Showdown Brews as Special Counsel Drops Trump Prosecution but Presses On Against Aides

Special Counsel Jack Smith has recently ceased his attempt to prosecute President-elect Donald Trump but continues to pursue charges against Trump’s co-defendants in the classified documents case. Smith filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals to dismiss his appeal regarding Trump while maintaining the appeal for Trump’s longtime aide Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, as the principle of temporary immunity does not apply to them[1]. This comes after a judge dismissed criminal counts against Trump citing Smith’s alleged unconstitutional appointment. Reports indicate Smith is winding down his cases and may step down before Trump’s anticipated inauguration on January 20, 2025, with Trump promising to fire Smith immediately upon taking office again[1].

Meanwhile, Smith faces an investigation by a federal watchdog into allegations that he improperly engaged in political activities through his prosecutions of Trump. Smith’s lawyers have strongly denied these charges, labeling them “imaginary and unfounded” and assert that Smith acted according to established legal principles. The investigation originated from complaints, notably including those from Republican Senator Tom Cotton who claimed Smith used his DOJ role to influence the 2024 election. Smith’s defense emphasizes the importance of justice being separate from political influence[2]. The independent Office of Special Counsel that launched the probe is separate from Smith’s former office, and they have declined to comment publicly.

In parallel, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed an appeal to reinstate a massive civil fraud penalty against Trump, which was previously reduced to zero by an appellate court. This case concerns allegations that Trump inflated his net worth on financial documents submitted to banks and insurers. Although Trump won a temporary reduction of the financial penalty, other punitive measures remain, including bans on Trump and his sons holding corporate leadership roles in New York. The civil fraud penalty originally amounted to more than $527 million including interest based on years of fraudulent activity found by the trial court[3].

The political and legal battles surrounding Trump thus continue on multiple fronts: federal investigations led by Smith and his co-defendants, ongoing scrutiny of Smith himself, and aggressive civil fraud litigation at the state level. The Justice Department also faces criticism and investigations into employee firings and politicization under the current administration, linked indirectly to Trump-related cases[4][5]. This complex set of developments marks a turbulent prelude to Trump’s likely return to the presidency in early 2025.