The US Justice Department has appointed a special prosecutor to deal with the ongoing investigations into former President Donald Trump. It concerns Trump’s handling of sensitive government documents and his efforts to disrupt a peaceful transition of power in January 2021 following his election defeat, a senior Department official said.
The special prosecutor may eventually decide to prosecute Trump.
The position is filled by Jack Smith, who previously worked in The Hague for the international Kosovo tribunal. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Smith “has built a reputation as an independent and determined prosecutor.” Smith promises to act quickly, but also to conduct independent and thorough investigations.
Witnesses heard
According to CNN, the case is moving forward and witnesses will be heard by a so-called grand jury in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have issued new subpoenas related to both investigations in recent days, the news channel said.
Trump kept sensitive information at his Florida estate after his presidency and has attempted to thwart criminal investigations into it. He went to the Supreme Court to prevent the Justice Department from examining the seized documents. The criminal investigation into the Capitol storming of January 6, 2021 will also fall partly under the special prosecutor.
Trump has labeled both investigations, which make it harder for him to run for president again, as politically motivated. Trump declared his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race on Tuesday. His team was already considering the appointment of a special prosecutor, according to CNN.
Attorney General Garland also referred to Trump’s candidacy and current President Joe Biden’s intention to run for office when appointing Smith. Therefore, it would be “in the public interest” to appoint a special prosecutor. Such prosecutors usually have a high degree of independence and are a way for the ministry to parry allegations of political partisanship.
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