All articles tagged with #special counsel
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The New York Times
Lawyers for Jack Smith, the former special counsel investigating Trump, have publicly dismissed an ethics complaint as unfounded, defending his conduct in prosecuting Trump and criticizing the partisan nature of the investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, which they argue is based on a false premise and threatens the integrity of the justice system.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CBS News
Authorities have launched an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, amid accusations of illegal political activity related to his previous investigations into Donald Trump. The probe follows political criticisms and concerns about potential interference in the 2024 election.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by BBC
US federal officials have opened an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, who led criminal cases against Donald Trump, for alleged violations of the Hatch Act and political interference, amid broader scrutiny of former government officials under the Trump administration.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by NBC News
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is investigating former special counsel Jack Smith for alleged Hatch Act violations, amid claims from Trump and allies that his investigations into Trump were politically motivated. The OSC's inquiry follows a request from Senator Tom Cotton and is separate from criminal proceedings, focusing on potential disciplinary actions against Smith. The investigation is part of broader political tensions surrounding Smith's role in investigating Trump.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Politico
The article discusses Trump's longstanding skepticism of special counsels and their independence, highlighting past instances where he opposed or attempted to influence investigations, including those related to Russia, election fraud, and classified documents, with recent developments involving a probe into his actions leading to criminal charges that were later dropped.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by CNN
President Trump stated he would not recommend a special prosecutor for the Jeffrey Epstein case, deferring to the Justice Department, despite calls from some GOP members for transparency and independent investigation. The White House emphasizes the department's independence, while Trump has shown deference to Attorney General Bondi regarding Epstein files, amidst ongoing public and political scrutiny.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Politico
The article discusses President Trump's ongoing frustrations with the Epstein case, the political and cultural fallout, and the debate over appointing a special counsel, amid broader political developments and congressional activities.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Politico
Laura Loomer warned that the Jeffrey Epstein investigation could threaten President Trump's presidency, highlighting internal conflicts within the MAGA movement over how to handle the case and calling for a special counsel to investigate Epstein's files.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
The Trump administration has fired nearly 10 DOJ employees, including prosecutors and support staff, who previously worked for the special counsel's office involved in cases against Trump, as part of a broader effort to purge individuals associated with investigations into him and the Jan 6 Capitol attack, raising concerns about political influence and civil service protections.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Economist
Jack Smith, the special counsel who pursued federal indictments against Donald Trump, has resigned after dropping the charges, as the Department of Justice cannot prosecute a sitting president. This move preempted a potential confrontation with Trump, who had vowed to dismiss Smith immediately upon taking office. The state-level cases against Trump in Georgia and New York have also effectively ended.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Bulwark
Special Counsel Jack Smith has moved to dismiss federal indictments against Donald Trump following his re-election, citing DOJ policies against indicting sitting presidents. The dismissals include charges related to Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents. The article criticizes Attorney General Merrick Garland's delayed actions and the Supreme Court's rulings, which have effectively granted Trump criminal immunity, allowing him to evade accountability. The possibility of future prosecution remains open, but is considered unlikely.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ABC News
Special counsel Jack Smith has requested the dismissal of the federal election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump, citing a DOJ policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president. This decision comes despite the ongoing legal proceedings and the merits of the charges, which include Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The move follows consultations with the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel and is influenced by a Supreme Court ruling granting Trump immunity for official acts as president. The case's dismissal is sought before Trump's inauguration.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Special counsel Jack Smith plans to resign and conclude his federal prosecutions of Donald Trump before the president-elect takes office, as Justice Department policy prohibits prosecuting a sitting president. Smith is considering how to handle an ongoing appeal in Trump's classified documents case, potentially removing Trump as a co-defendant while continuing with his aides. The appeal aims to overturn a ruling that could impact future Justice Department appointments. Smith's resignation and the winding down of cases are expected before Trump assumes office.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Special counsel Jack Smith plans to step down before Donald Trump takes office, discussing with DOJ leadership how to conclude federal prosecutions against Trump. Smith aims to complete a report on his work for Attorney General Merrick Garland before leaving. Trump has threatened to fire Smith, but Smith expects to resign beforehand. The DOJ is pausing its appeal in the classified documents case against Trump and co-defendants, while considering next steps. The department is also seeking to delay the 2020 election interference case against Trump.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Forbes
Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to resign and issue a final report on his investigations into Donald Trump before Trump takes office, summarizing the cases related to Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his alleged mishandling of White House documents. The report, which must be completed quickly to be made public, will explain Smith's prosecution decisions. However, its release may be delayed due to pending legal proceedings and the need for intelligence review. Trump's incoming administration may not release the report if it isn't finalized before Inauguration Day.