WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has opened an investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith for possible violations of the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts political activity by government employees.
The OSC, an independent federal agency, confirmed the investigation to CBS News on Saturday. The inquiry follows allegations that Smith may have engaged in political activity deemed inappropriate under the law during his tenure as special counsel.
Smith was appointed in November 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee two federal investigations involving President Donald Trump. The cases focused on Trump’s handling of classified documents and his actions following the 2020 presidential election. Trump, who denied any wrongdoing, was criminally charged in both cases but pleaded not guilty. The charges were later dismissed after Trump was reelected in 2024.
Smith resigned from his post in January, shortly before Trump returned to office. The investigation into Smith’s conduct gained momentum after U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) called for a formal review earlier this week. In public statements, Cotton accused Smith of acting with political bias and claimed he had pushed for an expedited trial process during the 2024 election cycle.
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from using their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the outcome of an election.
The leadership of the Office of Special Counsel has recently come under political scrutiny. In May, President Trump nominated podcast host Paul Ingrassia to head the agency. The nomination remains pending in the Senate. Earlier this year, Trump dismissed former OSC chief Hampton Dellinger.
