Smith is a veteran prosecutor with a reputation for winning tough cases. He began his career as an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan district attorney’s office, where he prosecuted violent gangs, white-collar fraudsters, and public corruption cases. In 2004, he was appointed to the US attorney’s office in Brooklyn, where he served as chief of the criminal division and then as deputy US attorney. In that role, he oversaw a number of high-profile investigations, including the prosecution of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
In 2016, Smith was appointed to the position of special counsel by then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate the Clinton Foundation. The investigation concluded without any charges being filed.
Smith is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a former law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He is known for his intelligence, his work ethic, and his commitment to justice. He is not registered with any political party.
Since his appointment as special counsel, Smith has moved quickly to investigate Trump. In June 2023, he indicted Trump on 40 felony counts related to his handling of classified documents. In August 2023, he indicted Trump again on four counts related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The Trump indictments have been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised Smith for his aggressive prosecution of Trump, while others have criticized him for being too political. However, there is no doubt that Smith is a formidable prosecutor who is not afraid to take on powerful figures.
Trump has proclaimed his innocence. He has attacked Smith on social media, on Tuesday calling the prosecutor “deranged Jack Smith.”
“Why did they wait so long? Because they wanted to put it right in the middle of my campaign. Prosecutorial Misconduct!” Trump said on his Truth Social site.
It remains to be seen whether Smith will be able to secure a conviction against Trump. However, his work as special counsel has already had a significant impact on American politics. By investigating Trump and bringing charges against him, Smith has helped to restore public faith in the rule of law.
(With inputs from agencies)