Overview

• The Office of Special Counsel has formally launched an investigation into Jack Smith over alleged violations of the Hatch Act.
• Sen. Tom Cotton accused Smith of “unprecedented interference in the 2024 election” by fast-tracking trial dates against President Trump.
• OSC Senior Counsel Charles Baldis confirmed that the Hatch Act Unit is reviewing internal communications as part of its inquiry.
• The independent agency cannot bring criminal charges and may only seek disciplinary action or refer its findings to the Justice Department.
• Smith, who dropped both Trump cases after the 2024 election and resigned in January, has not issued a public response to the probe.