Jack Smith Appointed as Special Counsel to Investigate Former President Donald J. Trump

Background

On November 18, 2022, Jack Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to serve as the Special Counsel to investigate former President Donald J. Trump, his campaign, and his associates. This appointment follows an investigation by the Department of Justice into potential obstruction of justice and other offenses by Trump.

Appointment and Investigation

Jack Smith is a former career Justice Department prosecutor and war crimes prosecutor. He was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2008 to lead the Public Integrity Section of the Justice Department. Smith's investigation will focus on Trump's handling of classified documents after he left office, as well as attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. He has the authority to subpoena documents and witnesses, and to bring criminal charges if warranted.

District Court Ruling

In January 2023, District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, ruled that Special Counsel Jack Smith's appointment was invalid. She cited the manner in which Smith was appointed and argued that he did not have the necessary impartiality to conduct the investigation. The Justice Department has appealed this ruling, and the matter is currently pending before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Conclusion

The appointment of Jack Smith as Special Counsel marks a significant development in the ongoing investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. Smith's wide-ranging investigation and authority to bring criminal charges have the potential to shed new light on the events surrounding Trump's presidency and the aftermath of the 2020 election. The outcome of this investigation will likely have a profound impact on American politics and the rule of law.