An independent watchdog agency responsible for enforcing a law against partisan political activity by federal employees has opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who brought two criminal cases against then-candidate Donald Trump before his election to the White House last year.
The Office of Special Counsel confirmed Saturday that it was investigating Smith on allegations he engaged in political activity through his inquiries into Trump. Smith was named special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 and his special counsel title is entirely distinct from the agency now investigating him. The office has no criminal enforcement power but does have the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for violations.
It was not clear what basis exists to contend that Smith’s investigations were political in nature or that he violated the Hatch Act, a federal law that bans certain public officials from engaging in political activity. Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, had earlier this week encouraged the office to scrutinize Smith’s activities and had alleged that his conduct was designed to help then-President Joe Biden and his vice president Kamala Harris, both Democrats.
“independent political watchdog” led by a “right-wing” podcaster is just a right-wing entity. Geddafuckouttahere!
‘Independent’
The “Read More” button was difficult to find, but the additional content there speaks to your point:
The office has been riven by leadership tumult over the last year. An earlier chief, Hampton Dellinger, was abruptly fired by the Trump administration and initially sued to get his job back before abandoning the court fight.
Trump selected as his replacement Paul Ingrassia, a former right-wing podcast host who has praised criminally charged influencer Andrew Tate as a “extraordinary human being” and promoted the false claim that the 2020 election was rigged. A Senate panel was set to consider his nomination at a hearing last month, but it was pulled from the agenda.
Trump’s trade representative, Jamieson Greer, is serving as acting head of the office.
It’s like me calling the SS a human rights organization
Indeed …
I am curious how the decision to start this investigation came to be.
It was not clear what basis exists to contend that Smith’s investigations were political in nature
Oh this is rich coming from Mr. Insurrection
Gee AP that seems like it’s totally the opposite of what it actually is.
And yet you’ll have a fine reason to say why it’s still true.
Get fucked, AP.
I have reread the article twice and still don’t understand why you’re mad at AP at all.
Failing to put scare-quotes or an “allegedly” qualifying “independent,” when every single honest journalist knows damn well that isn’t true.
That.
ooooo. I can’t wait for this to lead to absolutely no repercussions.
“Bring it bitch, only one of us knows the law”.
