Office of Special Counsel says it’s opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith, and the immediate reaction is a mixture of disbelief and a bit of dark humor. It’s hard to ignore the irony, isn’t it? The same folks who arguably turned the Hatch Act into a punchline during the Trump administration are now turning their attention to a special counsel investigating the former president. It’s like a scene straight out of a political satire.
The core issue, of course, is the Hatch Act itself. This law is designed to keep federal employees from using their positions to influence elections. It’s about maintaining a sense of impartiality and preventing the government from being overtly partisan.… Continue reading
Former special counsel Jack Smith is now under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, following requests from Senator Tom Cotton. The investigation stems from accusations that Smith attempted to influence the 2024 presidential election by accelerating proceedings in Trump’s election interference case. Cotton alleges Smith, a registered independent voter, was acting on behalf of Democrats. Smith’s indictment against Trump for actions related to the 2020 election results spurred the investigation, though Smith ultimately dismissed the case after Trump won the 2024 election.
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The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is investigating former special counsel Jack Smith following allegations by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans that Smith engaged in illegal political activity during his investigations. The OSC is examining potential violations of the Hatch Act, though specific evidence of wrongdoing hasn’t been provided by Trump and his allies. The OSC, an independent agency, can recommend disciplinary actions like removal from federal service or refer findings to the Department of Justice but cannot bring criminal charges. Senator Tom Cotton requested the investigation, citing “unprecedented interference in the 2024 election.”
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MAGA influencer Laura Loomer is demanding a special counsel to investigate the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, expressing dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice and FBI’s recent memo. Loomer has repeatedly criticized U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, claiming the memo’s assertions contradict popular conspiracy theories and are damaging to the Trump administration. She believes an independent investigation is necessary to satisfy the base, who expected a thorough review of the documents, and predicts at least one resignation over the matter. Loomer’s statements reflect the widespread anger among far-right and MAGA supporters who were disappointed by the memo’s findings.
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Merrick Garland, after serving as Attorney General, has rejoined Arnold & Porter’s Appellate & Supreme Court practice group. His career, marked by a prestigious background and Supreme Court nomination stalled by Republicans, saw him lead the Department of Justice under President Biden. While criticized for a perceived lack of aggressive prosecution of the Trump administration, Garland ultimately appointed a special counsel to investigate the classified documents case. His return to Arnold & Porter is considered a significant gain for the firm, leveraging his extensive legal experience.
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The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) ruled that the mass firings of probationary federal employees were likely illegal, citing violations of laws governing probationary terminations and reductions in force. The decision, concerning six workers but impacting potentially 200,000, found that the dismissals lacked individualized cause and circumvented proper reduction-in-force procedures. OSC head Hampton Dellinger requested stays on the six firings and is exploring broader remedies. This action directly challenges President Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to drastically shrink the federal workforce. The ruling is a significant setback for their administration’s personnel policies.
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Judge Amy Berman Jackson temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger, the fired head of the Office of Special Counsel, pending a decision on his request for a temporary restraining order. Dellinger’s removal by President Trump is being challenged in court, with Dellinger arguing his dismissal lacked legal basis. The judge’s order prevents the Trump administration from replacing Dellinger or denying him access to agency resources. The Trump administration is appealing the ruling, and this action follows the removal of the Office of Government Ethics director, David Huitema. These firings are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the federal government.
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Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary restraining order, blocking President Trump’s dismissal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), pending a February 26th hearing. Dellinger’s firing, lacking stated cause, violates a 1978 law requiring justification for removal. This case tests the limits of presidential power over independent agencies, particularly concerning the OSC’s role in protecting whistleblowers and enforcing the Hatch Act. The Trump administration’s argument that the congressional law is unconstitutional challenges established legal precedent regarding independent agency heads.
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A federal judge temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger as head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) after President Trump fired him via email. Dellinger’s lawsuit argued that his dismissal violated federal law, which mandates removal only for cause. The judge’s order prevents the Trump administration from denying Dellinger access to OSC resources pending further review. This action follows a pattern of Trump removing appointees from previous administrations, sparking controversy over his disregard for established legal procedures.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker