A US federal agency has launched an official investigation into former special prosecutor Jack Smith, who oversaw two criminal investigations against President Donald Trump after his first term in the White House, writes Reuters. The investigation was initiated by Republican Senator Tom Cotton.
The Office of Special Affairs informed the agency that the investigation concerns a possible violation of the Hatch Act, a law prohibiting federal officials from using their position for political activities.
Smith investigated two cases against Trump: illegal storage of classified documents and an attempt to challenge the 2020 election results, which led to the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Neither case went to trial. After Trump's election victory, Smith officially closed the cases, citing the Justice Department's policy of not prosecuting a sitting president, but released a report stating that the evidence gathered would have been sufficient for a conviction.
Since Trump took office on January 20, at least 37 people who worked on Smith's team have been dismissed.
Photo: Reuters