The Federal Agency for the Watchdog, the US Special Legal Office (OSC), initiated an investigation by Jack Smith, a former special advisor to the Ministry of Justice, who presented two criminal cases against Donald Trump before returning to the White House.
The probe, which confirmed the OSC on Saturday, is accused by the fact that Smith may have violated the Hatchych-Zákon Act prohibiting federal employees to participate in guerrilla political activities-by the investigation of his then president.
Background: Smith’s probe Trump
Smith was appointed in November 2022 at that time by the General Ethno General Merrick Garland to serve as a special advisor to the investigating Trump. Later in 2023 he brought two significant cases: one accused Trump of conspiracy to overturn the elections to 2020, and the other accused him of incorrect treatment of classified documents in his residence Mar-A-Lago in Florida.
Both cases were canceled after Trump won the elections in November 2024. Smith, who quoted the long -term policy of the Ministry of Justice against the prosecution of the seated president, formally closed cases before resigning to his place.
Trump repeatedly claimed that the investigation was politically motivated and part of the wider efforts of Biden’s administration to focus on his focus. During his campaign, he promised that Smith, if he was re -elected, had released.
Accusation and pressure of GoP
Smith’s investigation seems to have been partially invited by the Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who called on the OSC to explore whether Smith’s actions were to influence the outcome of 2024 elections in favor of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Cotton claimed that Smith’s behavior served democratic political interests.
It remains unclear what specific evidence, if existed, supports the claim that Smith has violated the food law. The OSC does not have powers to enforce the crime, but can store administrative sanctions, including fines.
(Tagstotranslate) Special Advisor’s Office (T) violation of the Fine Act (T) Federal Agency for Watchtail (T) former special advisor to justice department Jack Smith
