09/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/09/2024 10:44
Last month, Special Counsel Smith filed a superseding indictment against former President Donald Trump and argued before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in an attempt to overturn a federal district judge's finding that he was unlawfully appointed by Attorney General Garland. Pursuant to the Justice Manual, "Any action likely to raise an issue or the perception of [impacting an election] requires consultation with the Public Integrity Section, and such action shall not be taken if the Public Integrity Section advises that further consultation is required with the Deputy Attorney General or Attorney General." It is currently unclear what authority Special Counsel Smith has to file any briefs or provide services to the Department of Justice.
Full text of Congressman Gaetz's letter to Attorney General Garland can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the letter by Fox News can be found HERE.
LETTER TEXT
Attorney General Garland:
On August 27, 2024, Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a superseding indictment against former President Donald Trump in federal district court in the District of Columbia. One day later, he was arguing before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, attempting to overturn a federal district judge's finding that he was unlawfully appointed by you. It is unclear what authority Special Counsel Smith has to file either of these briefs or to provide services to the Department of Justice. Therefore, please provide my office with the following information by September 27, 2024:
answer the following questions and provide the following information by the same date:
Sincerely,
Matt Gaetz
Member of Congress
###
For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz's newsletter here.