Former special counsel Jack Smith is being investigated by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for allegedly violating the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits government employees from engaging in political activities. The OSC, an independent federal investigative agency, has confirmed to Fox News that it is scrutinizing Smith for alleged misconduct related to the 2024 presidential election. While the investigation is not a criminal probe, it raises questions about whether Smith’s actions may have breached ethical or legal boundaries.
Smith, appointed by former Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, led two investigations into former President Donald Trump. The OSC’s inquiry follows concerns raised by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who accused Smith of unlawfully trying to influence the 2024 election. In a July 30 letter to Acting Special Counsel Jamieson Greer, Cotton demanded that the OSC investigate whether Smith improperly engaged in political activity to harm Trump’s candidacy. This marks a rare instance where a senior government official is being scrutinized for potential electoral interference.
Meanwhile, the White House has remained silent on the matter, with Fox News Digital seeking comment without success. TheOSC’s authority stems from multiple federal laws, including the Hatch Act, which places restrictions on political activities by federal employees. While the agency is not a law enforcement body, its role in enforcing compliance with these regulations underscores the gravity of the allegations. The situation has drawn significant political attention, particularly within the Republican Party, as concerns about the conduct of officials involved in legal proceedings against Trump continue to surface.