The investigation into Jack Smith, the former special counsel who conducted inquiries into President Trump, has been initiated by the Office of the Special Counsel. This move focuses on accusations of possible illegal political activity.
On Saturday, the independent federal agency confirmed to CBS News that an investigation has indeed started against Smith for suspected breaches of the Hatch Act, which restricts the political activities of federal employees. The New York Post was first to report on this probe.
Smith was brought on board by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to lead two separate investigations concerning Trump’s management of classified materials and allegations surrounding attempts to undermine the 2020 election. Trump has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty.
Although these two cases led to criminal charges against Trump, they were eventually closed last year after he secured his reelection.
Notably, Smith resigned in January, mere days before Trump reclaimed the presidency.
Earlier this week, Republican Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas urged for an inquiry into Smith’s actions, asserting that Smith advocated for a “rushed trial” regarding Trump’s allegations.
In a statement on X, Cotton asserted, “These were the moves of a political figure masquerading as a public official. That’s why I’m calling for the OSC to urgently investigate this unusual interference in the 2024 elections.”
In a related note, Trump recently appointed Paul Ingrassia, a host of a right-wing podcast and MAGA supporter, to head the Office of Special Counsel. Yet, his nomination is currently stalled in the Senate. Additionally, Trump terminated the previous head of the Special Counsel, Hampton Dellinger, back in February.
