Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Faces Hatch Act Investigation Amid Trump Probes

Jack Smith, the current special counsel who led federal criminal cases against President Donald Trump, is facing an ethics investigation by the Office of Special Counsel following allegations by Senator Tom Cotton that Smith’s prosecutions were politically motivated to influence the 2024 election. Smith’s legal team has vehemently denied these accusations, describing them as "fabricated and unfounded," and emphasized that Smith strictly adhered to Department of Justice guidelines and prosecutorial principles without political bias. The investigations Smith led involved charges against Trump related to mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election, both of which were dismissed after Trump’s reelection. Smith’s attorneys have urged the watchdog agency not to draw conclusions without a full review, asserting confidence that the investigation will find no Hatch Act violations. The letters from Smith’s defense highlight concerns that the probe is driven by partisan complaints rather than legitimate legal concerns, underscoring the importance of maintaining the rule of law free from political interference. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed the ongoing inquiry but has not commented on further details.