The US Justice Department dismissed several officials involved in President Donald Trump's criminal cases on Monday. "Acting Attorney General James McHenry made this decision because he did not trust these officials to faithfully implement the president’s agenda due to their role in prosecuting him," a Justice Department official stated.

Number of Dismissals Not Clearly Specified

Although the official did not specify the exact number, reports suggest that more than a dozen people were let go. Many of those dismissed were career prosecutors at the Justice Department.

Smith’s Resignation and Previous Lawsuits

Earlier last month, Special Counsel Jack Smith, who filed two federal lawsuits against Trump, resigned. Smith had accused Trump of mishandling classified documents and attempting to alter the 2020 election results. However, neither case went to trial. In line with the long-standing Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president, Smith dropped the cases after Trump won the November election.

Trump’s Promise to Fire Smith

The firing of these officials came as no surprise. Trump had previously vowed to fire Smith “on day one.” He also claimed that the Justice Department, under Democratic President Joe Biden, was conducting a “political witch hunt” against him.

Trump’s Inauguration Speech and Commitments

In his inauguration speech, Trump reiterated that he would end the "vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization" of the Justice Department and the government. This was part of his broader promise to reshape how the government operated.

Smith’s Report and Trump’s Legal Troubles

In his final report, Smith stated that Trump would have likely been convicted for his "criminal efforts" to retain power after the 2020 election. Trump was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding—the certification of Biden’s victory, which was violently interrupted by a mob of Trump supporters on January 6, 2021.

Mishandling of Classified Documents and Pending Charges

Smith also prepared a report on Trump’s mishandling of classified documents, though it is being withheld because charges are still pending against two of Trump’s former co-defendants.

Racketeering Charges and Other Legal Matters

In addition, Trump faces racketeering charges in Georgia related to his efforts to subvert the election results in the state. However, this case is expected to be paused while he holds office.

Conviction in New York for Business Record Falsification

In May, Trump was convicted in New York for falsifying business records to cover hush money payments to a porn star. The judge in the case gave him an "unconditional discharge," meaning no jail time, fine, or probation.