Jack Smith Critiques Justice Department During Private Dinner
Former special counsel Jack Smith reportedly criticized the Justice Department in a strong speech at a private event, calling it “corrupt” and accusing it of targeting those opposed to President Donald Trump.
The remarks were made during a dinner in Washington, D.C., back in April. Reports highlighted Smith’s focus on the department’s choice to investigate and prosecute notable political opponents of Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. He suggested that the department had misused its authority, reflecting criticisms commonly voiced by Republicans about Smith’s own criminal cases against Trump while Biden was in office.
“We now have a Department of Justice that targets people for criminal prosecution just because the president doesn’t like them,” Smith stated.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department replied that they expect such comments from Smith, implying that his agenda revolves around politically prosecuting a former president to hinder his potential return to office.
The spokesperson reinforced the department’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the law amidst ongoing political tensions.
Smith has charged Trump with wrongdoing related to the 2020 election and handling classified information. However, he has faced significant challenges in these legal pursuits. For instance, a judge dismissed one of his lawsuits, leading Smith’s office to appeal the ruling. Following Trump’s win in the 2024 election, Smith sought to drop both federal cases, citing a long-standing policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
Trump has repeatedly condemned Smith, labeling him a “thug” on social media, even suggesting that Smith should lose his law license. Smith, prior to taking on these high-profile cases, had a distinguished career prosecuting war crimes and overseeing public integrity at the Justice Department during the Obama administration.
In a contrasting tone, Smith expressed a belief that despite the department’s current issues, it would eventually improve. He also accused officials of ignoring lawsuits that could challenge the narrative promoted by the president.
Smith highlighted the efforts of career prosecutors, indicating that some have faced backlash for their roles in controversial investigations, such as the one involving an anti-ICE activist’s death.
“To erode the rule of law in this country, you have to attack these people, and that’s what we’ve seen since January 2025,” he commented.
Interestingly, despite the criticism Smith directed towards the Justice Department, he acknowledged its growing vocal presence compared to the previous administration, noting recent assertive communications from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Representatives for Smith did not provide any comments regarding the speech, and attempts to reach the White House for a response were also made.
