An independent federal watchdog, tasked with upholding impartiality among government employees, has initiated a significant investigation into Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith. This probe centers on serious allegations of partisan political activity by Smith, particularly concerning his high-profile criminal cases against former President Donald Trump.

The Office of Special Counsel, distinct from the Justice Department, confirmed it is examining claims that Smith’s conduct in his investigations into Trump constitutes a violation of the Hatch Act. This federal law strictly prohibits certain public officials from engaging in specified political activities, aiming to maintain the neutrality of federal service.

Jack Smith was appointed as a special counsel to oversee two significant criminal cases against Donald Trump, one concerning the handling of classified documents in Florida and another related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Both indictments were issued in 2023, well in advance of the 2024 presidential election, citing what Smith and his team described as clear violations of established federal law.

The exact basis for the contention that Smith’s investigations were politically motivated or violated the Hatch Act remains unclear. Nevertheless, these allegations have fueled intense political discourse, particularly from Republican figures who have questioned the impartiality of the Justice Department’s actions.

Notably, Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, publicly urged the Office of Special Counsel to scrutinize Smith’s activities. Cotton alleged that Smith’s conduct was strategically designed to benefit then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both Democrats, by impacting the political landscape.

It has also been observed that the Office of Special Counsel has not indicated whether similar investigations have been opened into other Justice Department special counsels. This includes those appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate President Biden and his son Hunter, raising questions about potential selective scrutiny.

While the Office of Special Counsel possesses no criminal enforcement powers, it does hold the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for substantiated violations of the Hatch Act. The outcome of this investigation into the Special Counsel Jack Smith could have significant implications for public trust in federal law enforcement and the broader political landscape, as scrutiny continues on all involved parties.