New Investigation: Watchdog Agency Probes Jack Smith, Former Trump Prosecutor, for Alleged Illegal Political Activity

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — A watchdog agency is investigating Jack Smith, the special counsel from the Justice Department who brought two criminal cases against Donald Trump. This inquiry stems from concerns that Smith may have violated the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities by federal employees. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed this investigation on Saturday.

Smith was appointed special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022. His role is separate from the agency currently looking into him, which can impose fines but lacks criminal enforcement power. The investigation was encouraged by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who suggested Smith’s work aimed to benefit President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Smith’s cases against Trump include allegations of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results and improperly handling classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. These indictments, presented in 2023, followed a federal law that Smith’s team argued was clearly violated. Garland has maintained that politics did not influence the handling of these cases.

Historically, the investigations into political figures are not uncommon. In the past, special counsels have faced scrutiny that often reflects deeper partisan divides. For example, during the Watergate scandal, the special prosecutor faced significant backlash, emphasizing how political contexts can overshadow legal proceedings. Such historical examples highlight the complexity of ensuring impartiality in politically charged cases.

Interestingly, since Trump’s election win, many investigations have been dropped due to Justice Department policies regarding indictments of sitting presidents. This raises questions about the balance between legal accountability and political realities.

Currently, there are no investigations into the special counsels appointed by Garland to probe Biden and his son, Hunter, which adds to the perception of uneven scrutiny. The White House has not commented on the ongoing investigation into Smith.

Smith’s office has also experienced turmoil. Hampton Dellinger, a former chief, was abruptly removed, and his successor, Jamieson Greer, is now acting special counsel. Meanwhile, Paul Ingrassia, a known figure in conservative circles, has been named as Trump’s replacement.

These developments reflect a tense political landscape where legal actions and partisan interests frequently intersect, raising concerns about the integrity of the justice system.

For further insights, you can check the latest reports from credible news sources like The New York Post.

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