The move reflects the reality that the cases will not be completed before inauguration day. Once the former president returns to the White House, the special counsel's office would be prohibited from pursuing further criminal actions under justice department policy.
The justice department has long known that if Trump won, the criminal cases - over Trump's retention of classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election - would be finished because Trump's attorney general would likely drop the charges.
But it is understood to be a preemptive measure to ensure Trump would not be able to order the dismissal of the special counsel, Jack Smith, as he had vowed to do if he took office and Smith was in the role.
This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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