Former special counsel Jack Smith is facing growing legal and ethical concerns after disclosing that he received $140,000 in pro bono legal services from Covington & Burling, a well-connected Washington, D.C. law firm. The revelation has sparked demands for an investigation, with legal experts questioning whether the arrangement violated ethical rules or signaled political bias.
Legal Experts Raise Concerns
Smith, who led the Biden DOJ’s criminal cases against former President Trump, made the disclosure on Friday, according to a Politico report. While the reason for seeking outside legal counsel remains unclear, the revelation comes as Trump’s administration moves to end politically motivated prosecutions and investigate potential misconduct by former DOJ officials.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has responded by launching a working group to review Smith’s actions. The group will investigate whether he and his staff engaged in the politicization of justice, particularly in cases targeting Trump.
“This team will investigate Special Counsel Jack Smith and his staff, who spent over $50 million going after President Trump, as well as the law enforcement officers who participated in the unprecedented raid on his home,” Bondi stated.
Fox News Analyst: Smith’s Conduct Requires Further Investigation
During a segment on Fox Business, host Elizabeth McDonald questioned whether Smith’s legal disclosure raised serious ethical and legal concerns.
Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett responded:
“Accepting this kind of gift from a firm with ties to Democrats only strengthens the case that political bias and corruption played a role in the legal attacks on Trump.”
“This arrangement deserves full disclosure and a deeper investigation. Was it connected to his prosecutions of Trump? Did Attorney General Merrick Garland approve it? The ethics here are highly questionable.”
Jarrett also pointed out that Smith should be investigated by the incoming DOJ, reinforcing arguments he had previously made in a Fox News column.
Smith’s Resignation and Aftermath
Smith resigned from the DOJ just a week before Trump’s inauguration, reportedly to avoid termination. Following Trump’s swearing-in, multiple prosecutors and DOJ employees linked to Smith were dismissed.
Then-Acting Attorney General James McHenry explained the decision at the time:
“Due to their previous actions, the Acting Attorney General does not trust these individuals to faithfully implement the President’s agenda. This decision aligns with the effort to end the weaponization of government.”
Jarrett further highlighted that Bondi’s investigation could have serious legal consequences for Smith and others involved.
“If lawfare prosecutors like Smith manipulated the legal system to damage Trump’s political campaign, that is a direct violation of his civil rights under federal law. Prosecutors could face charges themselves.”
With Bondi’s probe underway, the political and legal fallout for Smith remains uncertain. However, with increasing calls for accountability, the pressure is mounting.
