criminal authorities in the United States have launched an investigation against Jack Smith. The former special counsel who brought two criminal cases against Donald Trump before his reelection in 2024. The investigation, verified by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), focusses on suspected violations of the Hatch Act. A federal rule that limits some political actions of government workers. Senator Tom Cotton and other Republicans accused Smith, without evidence, of using his prosecutorial authority to sway the 2024 race in favour of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
In November 2022, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland named Jack Smith as special counsel to oversee investigations into Trump’s handling of confidential materials and suspected attempts to meddle with the 2020 presidential election. Smith’s cases against Trump were dropped after his reelection in late 2024. In accordance with Justice Department protocol, which bans prosecuting a sitting president. Smith resigned shortly thereafter.
The present OSC probe does not have criminal charging authority, but it can recommend disciplinary sanctions or fines. The investigation followed allegations that Smith engaged in illegal political action by requesting hastened trial dates. Some claimed were politically motivated. The probe is noteworthy for focussing on a former special counse. It comes amid greater turbulence at the OSC, including leadership changes driven by Trump appointees.
This investigation is still underway, with no public indication of formal conclusions or consequences for Jack Smith.
