Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he would promptly fire special counsel Jack Smith if he wins the presidential election on November 5. This announcement represents Trump's clearest indication yet of his intention to halt the two criminal cases against him.
In an interview with conservative podcast host Hugh Hewitt, Trump was asked whether he would consider pardoning himself or dismissing the special counsel. He confidently replied, “Oh, it’s so easy. I would fire him within two seconds.” Smith has charged Trump in connection with his handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump also claimed he had received immunity from the Supreme Court, referencing a ruling that determined former presidents cannot be prosecuted for official actions related to their presidency.
While the authority to dismiss a special counsel lies with the attorney general, Trump has previously indicated that he would appoint a loyalist to that position who would support his plan to withdraw from the ongoing criminal investigations. Trump’s advisers have suggested that, if reelected, he would face no significant opposition in pursuing such actions.
During his first term, Trump attempted to terminate special counsel Robert Mueller, who investigated his campaign's ties to Russian interference in the 2016 election. However, he ultimately refrained from doing so after White House counsel Don McGahn threatened to resign over the matter.
In a second term, Trump’s advisers indicate that he would likely have no qualms about directing his attorney general to interfere with the Justice Department without facing internal resistance. Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, has stated that anyone appointed to the Justice Department must demonstrate personal loyalty to Trump.
The Harris campaign criticized Trump’s comments, asserting that they reveal his belief that he is above the law. They also highlighted former White House chief of staff John Kelly’s remarks, suggesting that Trump embodies the characteristics of a fascist, a sentiment echoed by Harris.
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