Investigation into Former Advisor Regarding Allegations of Political Targeting
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has initiated an inquiry into former special advisor Jack Smith amid concerns that he may have unlawfully focused on President Donald Trump.
Smith is under scrutiny for potentially breaching the Hatch Act, which prohibits certain political activities by government officials. Reports indicate that the OSC confirmed the investigation, although Smith emphasized that it is not a criminal matter.
The OSC operates independently as a governmental oversight body. In July, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) requested an investigation into whether Smith, who served as an advisor to former Attorney General Merrick Garland, had engaged in illegal political actions to sway the 2024 presidential election, particularly against Trump.
“President Trump has triumphed over Joe Biden, along with Jack Smith and all the Democrats who weaponized the law against him. However, Trump’s impressive victory doesn’t absolve Smith of accountability for his potential electoral interference,” a statement noted.
Smith previously led the criminal investigation into Trump during Biden’s presidency. Various sources have mentioned ongoing inquiries regarding Trump’s classified documents and whether actions taken on January 6, 2021, aimed to undermine the 2020 election; both lawsuits related to these matters were ultimately dismissed.
According to an email reviewed by one outlet, the Hatch Law Unit, responsible for ensuring compliance with laws limiting political activities by government employees, has begun a review of former special advisors affiliated with the U.S. Department of Justice. This information was shared by OSC senior attorney Charles Valdis.
Smith stepped down from the Department of Justice (DOJ) after opting not to pursue a trial against Trump, with reports indicating this occurred back in January.
It was also mentioned that Smith’s resignation coincided with last-minute legal efforts to bring Trump to justice before Biden’s inauguration, occurring just nine days before Trump assumed office.
A month later, Trump decided to revoke security clearances for members of the law firm that assisted Smith. The communication indicated that relevant agencies would suspend clearances for all individuals associated with Covington & Burling LLP who had supported Smith.
