Federal Investigation Launched into Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith
A federal investigation has been launched into former special counsel Jack Smith, who led two high-profile criminal cases against Donald Trump. The investigation, confirmed by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) on Saturday, August 2, is looking into allegations that Smith engaged in illegal political activity in violation of the Hatch Act.
Key Details:
The Accusations: The probe was initiated after Republican lawmakers, led by Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, formally requested an investigation. They accuse Smith of using his position to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, calling his actions "a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns." Cotton has claimed Smith's actions were "very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office."
The Hatch Act: The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts certain political activities by government employees. Smith was appointed special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, shortly after Trump announced his presidential bid.
The Investigating Body: The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal agency separate from the Department of Justice's special counsel's office that Smith previously headed. The OSC does not have criminal enforcement power but can recommend disciplinary action for federal employees, including removal from their position. It can also refer its findings to the Department of Justice, although this is uncommon.
Background of the Cases: Smith's investigations resulted in two criminal indictments against Trump in 2023: one related to his handling of classified documents and another concerning his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Neither case proceeded to trial. After Trump's election win, the Department of Justice, citing a long-standing policy against prosecuting a sitting president, moved to drop the cases. Smith resigned from his role shortly before the new inauguration. A final report from the special counsel's office asserted that had Trump not won the 2024 race, he would have been convicted for "criminal efforts to retain power" after the 2020 election.
Current Status: The White House has not yet commented on the investigation, which was first reported by The New York Post. The basis for the claims that Smith's investigations were politically motivated or violated the Hatch Act has not been clearly established.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
