President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to make sweeping changes within the Department of Justice (DOJ), including firing Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team of prosecutors and initiating investigations into alleged irregularities in the 2020 election.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Trump’s transition team is focused on reshaping the DOJ to align with his priorities.
Trump plans to dismiss the entire team of prosecutors who worked under Special Counsel Jack Smith. This group was responsible for pursuing two federal cases against Trump, and their efforts have been criticized by Trump and his allies as politically motivated.
Smith’s team is reported to be significantly larger than Robert Mueller’s team, which had 12 lawyers working on the Russia investigation.
Smith’s team reportedly includes over 20 lawyers, many of whom have been accused by Trump supporters of partisan leanings and ties to prominent Democratic figures, including the Obamas.
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch has filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits demanding the DOJ release the names of Smith’s staff.
However, the Biden administration’s DOJ has sought to keep those identities confidential, fueling speculation among Trump’s supporters about potential bias within the team.
Trump’s transition team has reportedly indicated that these dismissals will extend to career attorneys traditionally shielded from political retribution.
In addition to personnel changes, Trump reportedly plans to use the DOJ to launch new investigations into claims of voter fraud and irregularities in the 2020 presidential election.
The investigations would focus on battleground states where Trump and his allies have long alleged that fraud “tainted” the results.
The claims center on late-night ballot deliveries, locked counting rooms, and allegations of ballot manipulation in states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan.
Though courts and election officials have repeatedly rejected claims of widespread voter fraud, Trump’s supporters argue that key questions remain unanswered.
Trump’s transition team reportedly believes that a reinvigorated DOJ could uncover evidence to support these claims and pursue legal consequences for those involved.
Trump’s reported plans highlight a broader agenda to reshape the Justice Department and assert greater control over federal law enforcement.
The incoming administration aims to address what it perceives as a lack of accountability and fairness within the DOJ, particularly concerning investigations targeting Trump during his presidency and campaign.
Critics of Trump’s plans warn that such actions risk politicizing the DOJ and undermining its independence. However, Trump’s supporters argue that reforms are necessary to restore trust in the institution and address concerns about partisanship.
As Trump prepares to assume office, his reported plans for the DOJ signal a determination to pursue what he views as unfinished business from his previous term. Whether these moves will lead to concrete changes or further controversy remains to be seen.
