When Jack Smith embarked on his assignment in Washington nearly two years ago, he anticipated that his probe into Donald J. Trump would yield significant consequences. However, instead of concluding his role following a courtroom victory, he is now leaving as a result of political outcomes at the polls.

Smith initiated two federal indictments against Trump, making history as the first prosecutor to bring charges against a former president. The trajectory of these cases, which was already rendered complicated by unfavorable court decisions, was further derailed by Trump's electoral triumph on Election Day, presenting new hurdles for prosecution given the Justice Department's policy of not bringing charges against sitting presidents.

The outcome of Smith's investigation is proving to be multifaceted. While he is commended by legal professionals for conducting a thorough and disciplined inquiry that gathered substantial evidence, the subsequent legal ramifications could impose significant restrictions on the Justice Department's ability to pursue accountability for presidential misconduct. Ultimately, despite Smith's attempts to keep his investigation separate from political dynamics, Trump's electoral win effectively placed voters as a barrier between him and federal legal action.