Trump Calls for Special Counsel Jack Smith To Be “Put Out To Rest”

Amid an ongoing legal storm, former President Donald Trump has called for Special Counsel Jack Smith to be “defunded” and “put out to rest”. This latest move highlights the increased belligerence of Trump towards Smith, who is overseeing investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and his role in the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack, according to Newsweek.

In the face of federal and state felony charges, Trump, who is actively seeking the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has frequently targeted Smith since his appointment by Attorney General Merrick Garland last year. Last month, Trump was indicted on 37 felony counts concerning the classified documents case, a case that may yet yield further charges due to the still ongoing January 6 investigation. Following the indictment, Smith emphasized that “one set of laws in this country” applies to everyone.

Trump’s Fourth of July was marked by his latest attack on Smith, which he posted on his Truth Social platform. Here, he branded the special counsel as Garland and President Joe Biden’s “sick puppet.”

Trump’s post read: “As my Poll numbers go higher & higher, the Communists, Marxists, & Fascists get more & more CRAZY with their ridiculous Indictments & Election Interference plans & plots, all controlled by an out of control, & very corrupt, DOJ/FBI. They have WEAPONIZED Law Enforcement in America at a level not seen before.”

He continued his critique by stating, “Deranged Jack Smith, who is a sick puppet for A.G. Garland & Crooked Joe Biden, should be DEFUNDED & put out to rest. Republicans must get tough or the Dems will steal another Election. MAGA!”

The Department of Justice chose not to comment when approached by Newsweek.

On Monday night, Trump escalated his campaign against Smith on Truth Social, labelling him “a major SleazeBag put up by the corrupt DOJ to damage the Republican Party”. He also alleged Smith was engaging in “election interference”.

Trump’s hostility toward Smith intensified following the leak of an audio recording, referenced in the federal indictment. The leaked recording seemingly features Trump boasting in July 2021 about possessing a “highly confidential” document, contradicting his previous claims that he had declassified every document he retained after leaving the White House in January 2021.

Trump reacted to the leak by accusing Smith, without evidence, of being responsible for it. In his post, Trump wrote, “The Deranged Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith, working in conjunction with the DOJ & FBI, illegally leaked and ‘spun’ a tape and transcript of me which is actually an exoneration, rather than what they would have you believe. This continuing Witch Hunt is another ELECTION INTERFERENCE Scam. They are cheaters and thugs!”

Recent speculation suggests that Smith’s January 6 investigation may conclude with another criminal indictment of Trump. Additionally, Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation of Trump’s attempt to overturn his 2020 loss to Biden could also lead to charges. However, Trump has predicted that Willis “will be dropping all charges against me for lack of a case.”