The New York Post reports that Jack Smith is now under formal investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, marking the first official inquiry into his conduct.
Smith had been tapped by the Justice Department to lead two high-profile criminal cases involving President Donald Trump—one focused on classified documents and another on Trump’s role in the events of January 6, 2021, and whether they constituted an effort to overturn the election. Both cases ultimately ended in dismissal.
According to a message obtained by the Post, the Hatch Act Unit—which is responsible for ensuring that federal employees do not engage in political activity in violation of the law—is now examining Smith’s conduct. The email was authored by Charles Baldis, a senior attorney with the Office of Special Counsel.
“I appreciate the Office of Special Counsel taking this seriously and launching an investigation into Jack Smith’s conduct. No one is above the law.”
Senator Tom Cotton, who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, welcomed the move, claiming that Smith’s motivations were political in nature and intended to damage President Trump’s campaign. “Jack Smith’s actions were clearly driven to hurt President Trump’s election, and Smith should be held fully accountable,” Cotton told the Post.
The probe was initiated after Cotton sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel earlier in the week, accusing Smith of using his authority to deliberately sabotage Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Smith, who had been appointed to his position by Attorney General Merrick Garland during the Biden administration, stepped down in January after Trump returned to the White House.
Republican critics of Smith have long argued that the charges brought against Trump were less about the law and more about politics, aimed at damaging his chances in the upcoming election.
In his letter, Cotton laid out his case that Smith had crossed legal and ethical lines. “Jack Smith’s legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns. This isn’t just unethical, it is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office,” Cotton wrote.
“Many of Smith’s legal actions seem to have no rationale except for an attempt to affect the 2024 election results – actions that would violate federal law.”
Cotton further accused Smith of manipulating the legal timeline to clash with key political milestones, such as the Iowa caucuses, in order to undermine Trump’s campaign.
“These actions were not standard, necessary, or justified,” he said. “They were the actions of a political actor masquerading as a public official.”
As of now, Smith has not issued any public comment in response to Cotton’s accusations. While in office, Smith consistently stated that his investigations were based on legal merits and were not swayed by political agendas.
{Matzav.com}
