Jack Smith, the special counsel who pursued two high-profile federal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, has resigned. 

The New York Times reports that his departure was revealed in a footnote in court.  

According to a senior law enforcement official, the former war crimes prosecutor stepped down from his post in Washington on Friday. 

The resignation comes after two major setbacks, both prosecutions he brought against Mr Trump were unsuccessful, with one dismissed by a district court and the other overturned by a Trump-appointed Supreme Court.  

Before his tenure as special counsel, Mr Smith built a reputation as a determined and principled prosecutor. 

He began his career in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, eventually joining the U.S. Department of Justice. 

His work included overseeing complex corruption and fraud cases, and gained recognition for his meticulous approach.  

As a war crimes prosecutor for the International Criminal Court in The Hague, he handled cases involving atrocities in Kosovo, demonstrating his commitment to accountability in the most challenging environments.  

In 2022, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Mr Smith as special counsel to investigate and prosecute sensitive cases related to Mr Trump, a polarising figure in U.S. politics. 

At the time, Mr Garland cited Mr Smith’s “impartiality and deep experience” as critical assets in addressing the politically charged nature of the cases.  

Mr Smith’s legal challenges against Mr Trump focused on allegations of obstruction of justice and mishandling classified information.