Office of Special Counsel Opens Inquiry into Jack Smith
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has launched a formal investigation into Jack Smith. This marks the first official legal review of the former special counsel’s conduct. Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland under President Biden, led two prosecutions against Donald Trump. Both targeted Trump’s handling of classified documents and his actions on January 6, 2021. However, The New York Post reports that both cases were dismissed.
Hatch Act Unit Reviews Smith’s Conduct
An email reviewed by The Post reveals that the OSC’s Hatch Act Unit began examining Smith’s actions. This unit enforces a federal law banning government employees from engaging in political activities during their official duties. Senior Counsel Charles Baldis confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Senator Tom Cotton Demands Accountability
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) praised the OSC for taking the matter seriously. In a statement, he said, “No individual is exempt from the law.” Cotton accused Smith of trying to undermine Trump’s 2024 campaign. He called for Smith to be held fully accountable.
Cotton sent a letter to the OSC earlier this week, alleging Smith used his position for explicit political purposes. Smith resigned as special counsel in January, following Trump’s return to office. Republicans have consistently criticized Smith, claiming his efforts were politically motivated and aimed at damaging Trump’s election chances.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
In his letter, Cotton described what he called a “systematic pattern of abuse” designed to weaken Trump’s candidacy. He argued, “Jack Smith’s legal actions served the Biden-Harris campaigns.” He added that this conduct was not only unethical but possibly illegal campaign activity originating from a government office.
Cotton also accused Smith of manipulating investigation timelines to interfere with key political events, including the Iowa caucuses. He called these actions “neither standard nor necessary” and described Smith as “a political figure masquerading as a public official.”
Smith Maintains Legal Integrity, Declines Comment
Smith has not publicly responded to these allegations. Throughout his tenure, he maintained that his investigations followed legal standards and remained free of political bias. He declined to comment when contacted by The Post.
Dismissal of Prosecutors Linked to Smith
The last major news involving Smith occurred in January. The Justice Department dismissed over a dozen prosecutors who had worked with Smith on charges against Trump. Fox News Digital reported that Acting Attorney General James McHenry sent letters to these prosecutors, citing their inability to “faithfully execute the president’s agenda” as the reason for their removal.
The DOJ confirmed McHenry emailed dismissal letters to each affected individual. A legal analyst explained on Fox News that prosecutors voluntarily join special counsel teams. They typically have a strong interest in securing convictions.
McHenry’s decision implies that these prosecutors were not loyal to Trump. Therefore, he judged them unfit to carry out their duties under the current administration.