Controversial Probe: Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Under Investigation

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has launched a formal investigation into Jack Smith, the former Special Counsel responsible for two criminal investigations into former President Donald Trump. The probe seeks to determine if Smith violated the Hatch Act, which bans federal employees from political activities.

This inquiry, spurred by a request from Senator Tom Cotton, suspects that Smith's cases against Trump were politically driven. Cotton accused Smith of camouflaging as a public official to harm Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

Smith's previous cases against Trump—concerning classified material retention and efforts to overturn the 2020 election—didn't advance due to legal challenges and a Supreme Court ruling. Smith had ceased the cases after Trump's election victory, citing DOJ policies against prosecuting a sitting president.

(With inputs from agencies.)