A significant federal investigation has been launched into former special counsel Jack Smith, focusing on alleged illegal political activity during his tenure. This probe, confirmed by the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency, follows reports from various news organizations and marks a new chapter in the complex legal landscape surrounding high-profile political figures.

Jack Smith was initially appointed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to serve as special counsel, with a mandate to investigate then-candidate Donald Trump. His appointment came amidst heightened political tensions, and his role quickly became central to legal challenges facing the former president.

Throughout his investigations, Smith became the target of accusations from Donald Trump and his Republican allies, including Senator Tom Cotton. These claims, made without substantive evidence, alleged that Smith violated the Hatch Act, a federal law strictly prohibiting certain public officials from engaging in political activity. The Hatch Act Violations became a recurring theme in criticisms leveled against Smith.

Smith prosecuted two prominent federal cases against Republican candidate Trump in the lead-up to the anticipated November 2024 presidential election. However, both of these cases were ultimately dropped before going to trial following Trump’s reelection, a development that, according to long-standing Justice Department practice, would shield a reelected president from prosecution. Smith subsequently resigned from his role as special counsel.

The current Jack Smith investigation stems directly from a formal request made by Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., to the Office of Special Counsel. Cotton explicitly alleged that Smith’s professional conduct was overtly designed to benefit then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both Democrats, in what he characterized as partisan political activity allegations.

The political climate surrounding these developments intensified after Trump secured a victory in the election. The White House, notably, has refrained from offering any immediate comment on the newly opened federal probe into Smith, maintaining a cautious stance as the inquiry unfolds.

The initial reporting on this unfolding story, revealing the Donald Trump prosecutor under investigation, was credited to The New York Post. As a developing narrative, updates are anticipated as the Office of Special Counsel progresses with its inquiry, keeping the public keenly aware of the implications for government oversight and political ethics.