The OSC investigation into Jack Smith is now underway, as confirmed by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). This federal agency is reviewing whether the former special counsel may have broken federal law. Jack Smith was appointed in 2022 by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland. His role involved leading two investigations concerning former President Donald Trump.
Currently, the exact scope of this new investigation remains unclear. However, it may focus on possible violations of the Hatch Act. This law prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty. Importantly, this is not a criminal investigation. Rather, it centers on federal ethics and conduct rules.
The OSC differs from the kind of special counsel role Smith held. It operates independently and functions as a federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. According to its website, the OSC enforces four key federal laws. These include the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and USERRA. These laws aim to ensure fairness and nonpartisanship in government workplaces.
Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, recently called for this OSC investigation into Jack Smith. In a letter dated July 30, he urged Acting Special Counsel Jamieson Greer to take action. In his letter, Cotton claimed Smith may have engaged in political behavior. He accused Smith of trying to sway the 2024 election against Trump.
“President Trump defeated Biden and those who weaponized the law,” Cotton wrote. However, he added that such a result doesn’t excuse misconduct. He asked the OSC to determine whether Smith or his team acted unlawfully for political reasons.
Though this inquiry is not criminal, it carries weight. The Hatch Act aims to prevent political influence within federal agencies. Any violation could trigger disciplinary action or public backlash. As the OSC investigation into Jack Smith moves forward, political tensions are rising. Republicans claim legal systems are being misused. Democrats have not yet issued a unified response.
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