According to the nbc news, the officials are investigating former special counsel Jack Smith for potential violations of the Hatch Act, following complaints from former President Donald Trump and several Republican lawmakers. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) — a separate entity from the Justice Department — confirmed it has opened an inquiry into whether Smith engaged in prohibited political activity while prosecuting Trump during the 2024 campaign.
Smith was appointed in November 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, just days after Trump announced his candidacy. He later brought two criminal indictments against Trump but resigned in early January 2024, shortly before Trump’s inauguration and before either case went to trial.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who requested the investigation, has accused Smith of attempting to interfere with the 2024 election by pushing for a “rushed trial.” However, no evidence of illegal conduct has been publicly presented, and the OSC cannot file criminal charges. It may recommend administrative penalties or refer findings to the DOJ.
Critics argue the investigation is politically motivated, pointing to the OSC’s limited enforcement history. For example, in 2019, the agency recommended the removal of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway for repeated Hatch Act violations — a recommendation that was ultimately ignored.
Adding another layer of controversy, Trump’s nominee to lead the OSC, Paul Ingrassia, a former podcast host with a record of incendiary commentary, is currently awaiting Senate confirmation.
While the outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, it underscores the deep partisan divisions surrounding the legal and political fallout from Trump’s prosecutions — and raises broader questions about the boundaries of political activity by federal officials during election cycles.
Federal officials are investigating Jack Smith for potential violations of the Hatch Act, which limits political activities by federal employees.
The investigation stems from a request by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who alleges Smith’s prosecution of Donald Trump amounted to illegal political interference in the 2024 election.
What Is Happening?
.Federal officials are investigating Jack Smith for potential violations of the Hatch Act, which limits political activities by federal employees.
.The investigation stems from a request by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who alleges Smith’s prosecution of Donald Trump amounted to illegal political interference in the 2024 election.
Leave a Reply