U.S. Office of Special Counsel Investigates Former DOJ Official Jack Smith

In a significant development, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has announced an investigation into former Justice Department official Jack Smith, who is best known for his role in overseeing two federal prosecutions of former President Donald Trump.

Background: Who is Jack Smith?

Jack Smith is a seasoned lawyer and law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience. Prior to joining the Justice Department, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in several districts, including Washington D.C., where he was responsible for investigating and prosecuting complex white-collar crimes.

In August 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Smith as the Special Counsel to oversee two federal investigations into former President Trump: one related to the handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and another related to his alleged mishandling of national security documents.

Smith's appointment was widely seen as a response to Trump's claims that the investigations were politically motivated and unfair. As Special Counsel, Smith has been tasked with investigating whether Trump committed any crimes or broke any laws in connection with these matters.

Investigation by the Office of Special Counsel

On Saturday, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel announced that it was launching an investigation into Jack Smith for potentially violating federal laws and regulations related to the handling of classified information.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the OSC is investigating whether Smith may have improperly used his position as Special Counsel to influence the investigations he oversaw, or whether he may have failed to follow proper procedures for dealing with sensitive national security information.

The investigation is reportedly focused on several specific areas, including:

• Whether Smith properly authorized and executed searches of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in connection with the classified document investigation.
• Whether Smith followed proper protocols for handling and storing classified documents, and whether he disclosed any sensitive information to unauthorized individuals.
• Whether Smith engaged in any improper communications or interactions with witnesses, including Trump himself.

Reactions from Trump and His Allies

Trump and his allies have already begun reacting to the news of the OSC investigation into Jack Smith. In a statement released early Sunday morning, Trump called the investigation "a total witch hunt" and claimed that it was motivated by a desire to "ruin my reputation."

Other Republicans have also weighed in on social media, with some accusing the Democrats of trying to "silence" Smith through the investigation.

What's Next for the Investigation?

The investigation into Jack Smith is expected to be closely watched by lawmakers and the public, as it raises important questions about the handling of classified information and the role of special counsel in federal investigations.

In coming days, we can expect to see more updates on this developing story as the investigation unfolds. In the meantime, here are some key takeaways:

• The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has announced an investigation into Jack Smith for potentially violating federal laws and regulations related to the handling of classified information.
• The investigation is focused on several specific areas, including whether Smith properly authorized and executed searches of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, whether he followed proper protocols for handling and storing classified documents, and whether he engaged in improper communications or interactions with witnesses.
• Trump and his allies have already begun reacting to the news of the investigation, with some accusing Democrats of trying to "silence" Smith through the inquiry.

Stay tuned for further updates on this story as it continues to develop.