Jack Smith Trump special counsel: Ex-president outraged as prosecutor leads Justice Department investigation into attack on Capitol in Mar A Lago

WASHINGTON– Former President Donald Trump did not hold back his words to the Justice Department after a special counsel was appointed to oversee two investigations in which he was involved.

The former president criticized the announcement during a speech in his resort town of Mar-a-Lago, saying the investigation was politically motivated and an abuse of power.

Veteran prosecutor Jack Smith will now lead the Justice Department’s investigation into the January 6 attack on the Capitol and the alleged illegal holding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said he appointed Smith after Trump announced his 2024 presidential nomination, creating a conflict of interest as President Joe Biden intends to run again.

The President’s press secretary was questioned about the investigation.

“This will be a matter for the Attorney General and the Department of Justice when it comes to criminal investigations. But I can tell you the President didn’t know. We weren’t aware of that. We were not notified in advance. And I would contact the Justice Department,” said Karine Jean-Pierre.

Several Republican lawmakers have called the move an overshoot, but many Democrats have publicly applauded Smith’s appointment, including US Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, who said it was a far cry from the previous administration’s approach.

The special counsel will also investigate whether Trump committed any crimes using classified White House documents found at Mar-A-Lago.