Republican lawmakers are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to disclose any potential conflict-of-interest documents related to special counsel Jack Smith’s probe into former President Donald Trump. The representatives’ demand follows suspicions of political bias, considering Smith’s controversial history and his wife’s partisan leanings.
Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) spearheaded a letter to the Attorney General sent last Wednesday detailing numerous concerns. The document, signed by eight other House Republicans, throws into question the legitimacy of Smith’s past political prosecutions and challenges the transparency of his recent appointment.
“Mr. Smith has a history of questionable political prosecutions.”
Republicans are asking Attorney General Merrick Garland to release the conflict-of-interest review of special counsel #JackSmith, who was appointed special counsel to investigate Trump. https://t.co/dLMYC5h5JZ
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) July 29, 2023
Jack Smith has taken center stage in two critical investigations: the ongoing probe into the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests and the Mar-a-Lago case indicting the former president. In the face of these high-stake charges, Trump maintains his innocence, insisting on the illegitimacy of these investigations in multiple social media posts.
Before Smith’s appointment last November, there would have been a routine background check and review of any conflicts of interest. House Republicans are now pressing for unredacted copies of these documents, ensuring a transparent investigation process for the American people.
This isn’t the first time Smith’s integrity has been in question. The GOP letter brings to light the overturned prosecution of Virginia’s former Governor, Bob McDonnell, citing the Supreme Court’s criticism of the prosecution’s “boundless interpretation of the federal bribery statute.” Smith’s questionable handling of past cases raises legitimate concerns about his current investigations.
Perhaps more alarming is the apparent partisan bias displayed by Smith’s wife, Katy Chevigny, a documentary producer with clear ties to prominent Democrats. Chevigny has produced content celebrating former First Lady Michelle Obama and has donated $2,000 to President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. These evident Democratic connections and Smith’s record paint a picture of potential bias that may conflict with his role as special counsel.
Furthermore, rumors are swirling about another indictment against Trump. According to news reports, the grand jury met last Thursday and speculation about the potential charges followed shortly. Trump took to social media to debunk these rumors, clarifying that his lawyers had met with the DOJ and received no indication of an impending indictment.
As the former President continues to deny the allegations against him, including the destruction of security tapes from his Mar-a-Lago estate, the demand for transparency into Smith’s investigation grows.
