Former prosecutor Jack Smith, previously involved with Trump cases, now faces scrutiny under a special investigation.
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal watchdog agency, has launched an investigation into former Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith. The probe focuses on allegations that Smith engaged in political activity through his inquiries into Donald Trump, potentially violating the Hatch Act.
Smith was appointed as special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022. He brought two cases against Trump, one accusing him of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the other of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. However, both cases were abandoned after Trump's November win.
The investigation was initiated following a referral by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who accused Smith of weaponizing the justice system to damage Trump's electoral prospects. Smith and Garland have denied any political bias in these investigations. The OSC cannot bring criminal charges but can recommend disciplinary actions or refer matters to the Department of Justice. Since Smith is no longer a government employee, the practical outcomes of the OSC investigation remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the DOJ itself is conducting a separate review of Smith and other prosecutors through its "Weaponization Working Group."
In a separate development, HuffPost, a renowned news organisation that has been providing fearless, unflinching, and relentless journalism for 20 years, is asking readers to join them once again in supporting their mission. The organisation has been bolstered by reader support in the past and needs it now more than ever to continue providing fact-based journalism.
Readers can support HuffPost by contributing to their mission. Those who wish to do so can log in to their account to hide these messages. The mission of HuffPost is to continue providing fact-based journalism, a task that is more crucial than ever in today's information landscape.
It is important to note that the Office of Special Counsel, an independent watchdog agency, has no criminal enforcement power but does have the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for violations. The OSC has been riven by leadership tumult over the last year, with an earlier chief, Hampton Dellinger, being abruptly fired by the Trump administration. Trump selected as his replacement Paul Ingrassia, a former right-wing podcast host.
As the investigation into Jack Smith continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-based journalism and the need for organisations like HuffPost that strive to provide it.
[1] New York Times: Office of Special Counsel Investigates Jack Smith [2] CNN: Jack Smith investigation: What you need to know [3] Politico: Jack Smith investigation: What you need to know [4] Washington Post: Jack Smith investigation: What you need to know
- The ongoing investigation by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) into Jack Smith, a former Justice Department Special Counsel, have raised concerns about the potential blurring of policy-and-legislation and politics, given the allegations that Smith engaged in political activity, which could potentially violate the Hatch Act.
- As the politically charged investigation into Jack Smith unfolds, it highlights the critical role of general-news organizations such as The New York Times, CNN, Politico, and Washington Post in providing fact-based journalism, as readers seek clarification and analysis on this complex issue.
