The US Workplace of Particular Counsel (OSC), a federal watchdog company, has opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the previous Justice Division particular counsel who introduced two felony instances towards Donald Trump forward of his return to the White Home.
The probe, confirmed by the OSC on Saturday, follows accusations that Smith could have violated the Hatch Act—a regulation prohibiting federal workers from participating in partisan political exercise—throughout his investigations into the then President-candidate.
Background: Smith’s Trump probes
Smith was appointed in November 2022 by then-Legal professional Common Merrick Garland to function particular counsel investigating Trump. He later introduced two high-profile instances in 2023: one accusing Trump of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and one other charging him with mishandling categorised paperwork at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Each instances had been dropped after Trump received the November 2024 election. Citing longstanding Justice Division coverage towards prosecuting a sitting president, Smith formally closed the instances earlier than resigning from his publish.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the investigations had been politically motivated and a part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to focus on him. He had vowed throughout his marketing campaign to dismiss Smith if reelected.
Allegations and GOP strain
The investigation into Smith seems to have been prompted partially by Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who referred to as on the OSC to look at whether or not Smith’s actions had been meant to affect the result of the 2024 election in favor of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Cotton alleged Smith’s conduct served Democratic political pursuits.
It stays unclear what particular proof, if any, helps claims that Smith violated the Hatch Act. The OSC doesn’t have felony enforcement powers however can impose administrative penalties, together with fines.
