Jack Smith’s Political Involvement and Controversial Actions

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith recently attended the ‘Power to the People Fest’ wearing a ‘No Kings’ t-shirt. The event, focused on restoring and strengthening democracy, attracted many critics of former President Trump. Notable attendees included musician Bruce Springsteen, who compared Trump’s officials to the Gestapo and labeled his administration as treasonous. Tom Morello, the rally’s chief organizer, led chants against Trump.

Smith’s attendance came at a time when scrutiny around his investigative methods increased. New evidence suggested he seized phone records of Republican members of Congress, tracking communications with Trump’s attorney. These actions raised concerns over constitutional overreach and his history of controversial legal pursuits. Smith had previously experienced a unanimous Supreme Court decision against his case involving former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, Smith continued practices seen as encroaching upon free speech protections. His pursuit of investigations related to the 2020 election added to the suspicion of bias against Trump’s political candidacy. Smith appeared relentless, despite Trump’s candidacy and subsequent election win.

The Capitol Hill revelations demonstrated Smith’s use of pen registers and trap, and trace orders without respecting legislative branch protections. His investigation extended to Trump’s legal team, journalists, and campaign advisors, including phone monitoring of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Smith obtained a court order preventing mobile carriers from notifying lawmakers about the surveillance. Materials released by the Government Transparency Task Force showed Smith’s team initiated a broad investigation named “Plasmic Echo.” Both Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco approved the extensive data seizure, confronting constitutional safeguards, such as the right to counsel and Article I powers.

By March 2022, following FBI Director Christopher Wray’s memo, Garland sanctioned Plasmic Echo. Smith’s investigation scrutinized phone records linked to Trump’s legal and political circles, affecting at least five journalists between February and May 2023. It also delved into Trump’s political action committee finances.

Smith’s demeanor at the ‘Power to the People Fest’ further fueled perceptions of political bias. Despite assertions of impartiality, Smith’s presence aligned him with outspoken Trump critics. This alignment seemed fitting for someone with a history of bold, contentious actions rather than a neutral legal role.

The article was penned by Jonathan Turley, a law professor and author. ©2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.