Introduction
In a recent congressional hearing, Representative Jim Jordan intensely questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland about the appointment of Jack Smith as Special Counsel. The hearing focused on Smith’s qualifications, past actions, and potential biases.
Why Jack Smith?
- Independent and Experienced: AG Garland stated that Jack Smith was chosen for his independence, nonpartisanship, and extensive career as a prosecutor.
- Non-Political Appointee: Garland emphasized that Smith had never held a political office, which distinguished him from other potential candidates who were political appointees.
Prior Relationship and Selection Process
- No Prior Acquaintance: Garland confirmed that he did not know Smith before his selection and had never worked with him.
- Meeting Before Appointment: Garland met with Smith to discuss the role and responsibilities of the Special Counsel before announcing his selection.
- No Job Request from Smith: Garland stated that Smith did not ask for the job, nor did he convey through anyone else that he wanted the position.
Smith’s Past Actions
- Governor McDonnell Case: Jordan referenced Smith’s involvement in the prosecution of Governor Bob McDonnell, which was overturned by the Supreme Court. Garland defended Smith’s role as part of the Public Integrity Section, where decisions were made based on the information at the time.
- IRS Targeting Allegations: Jordan brought up Smith’s interest in prosecuting those targeted by the Obama IRS, highlighting an email suggesting prosecution strategies. Garland claimed no knowledge of these details and did not factor them into his decision.
Document Handling Controversy
- Document Sequence Issue: Jordan accused Smith of tampering with evidence related to documents seized from Mar-a-Lago. He cited a court filing where Smith admitted discrepancies between physical documents and their associated scans.
- Garland’s Response: Garland denied any wrongdoing by Smith, stating that the issue was part of an ongoing discovery dispute in court and refused to comment further.
Conclusion
Despite intense questioning and accusations from Representative Jordan, Attorney General Garland stood by his decision to appoint Jack Smith as Special Counsel, emphasizing Smith’s qualifications and impartiality. The hearing highlighted significant scrutiny and differing interpretations of Smith’s past actions and current role.
