Jack Smith, the special counsel who spearheaded two major federal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, has officially resigned, marking the end of a contentious legal chapter. Smith’s resignation, noted in a discreet court filing, closes a two-year effort that redefined the intersection of law and politics in the U.S.

Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, was tasked with investigating and prosecuting Trump for alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, both cases were effectively nullified—one dismissed outright by a Trump-appointed judge and the other curtailed by a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential immunity.

The timing of Smith’s resignation was no surprise. He had signaled his intention to step down before Trump’s inauguration to avoid potential dismissal or retaliation from the incoming administration. His departure was announced without fanfare, and no public statement accompanied it.

Smith’s legal battles faced significant hurdles, including challenges to his appointment and judicial decisions that favored Trump. In the classified documents case, Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Smith’s appointment invalid, while the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity derailed the election interference case. Both setbacks underscored the political and legal complexities of pursuing a former and future president.

The final chapter of Smith’s tenure includes a two-volume report explaining his prosecutorial decisions. While the report’s release has been temporarily blocked by Judge Cannon, it is expected to detail Smith’s rationale for bringing charges and not pursuing others. Trump’s legal team has strongly opposed the report, calling it biased and politically motivated.

Attorney General Merrick Garland initially appointed Smith in 2022 to maintain impartiality in the investigations, given Trump’s candidacy for the presidency. Garland described Smith as a diligent and fair prosecutor. Yet, Smith’s work has drawn sharp criticism from Trump and his allies, some of whom have called for accountability against those who prosecuted him.

Smith, known for his low-profile approach, remained largely silent during his tenure, speaking publicly only to emphasize the Department of Justice’s commitment to the rule of law. Despite the high stakes and intense scrutiny, he refrained from engaging in political discourse.

As Trump prepares to assume office again, questions linger about the legal, political, and ethical ramifications of Smith’s investigations. While some Democrats have urged President Biden to pardon Smith and his team preemptively, the special counsel’s work now becomes part of a broader conversation about the justice system’s role in political accountability.