Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the investigation of former President Donald Trump (R), demanding that Special Counsel Jack Smith provide and preserve all records from his office.
After revelations of those working under Smith providing thousands in donations to various Democratic campaigns and funds such as “Biden for President,” Obama for America,” and the DNC Victory Fund” as well as others, Rep. Gaetz believes that the partisanship that has been uncovered could be “not only of public interest but is highly critical to the ongoing oversight work of Congress.”
The list of demands includes a request for staff rosters, phone lists, and all communications of the Office of the Special Counsel.
“The work of Special Counsel Jack Smith is both highly irregular and of extraordinary public concern. Indeed, it is of such concern that the Department of Justice has fielded multiple requests of Congress, from individual member offices and full Committees,” stated Rep. Gaetz.
About the partisanship of some of the deputies to Special Counsel Smith, Gaetz called his request “entirely appropriate.”
“While there are innumerable valid legislative purposes for this request, it should be obvious that doing due diligence in vetting an office that has apparently done no vetting of its own personnel, or worse, might affirmatively be seeking to staff with sanctioned lawyers and partisan hatchet-men (and women), is an entirely appropriate purpose and one small reason I am requesting this information,” stated Gaetz.
He would continue to pounce on prior actions of those investigating President Trump as a reason for caution and distrust regarding this inquiry.
“Finally, it is a matter of public record now that at least 27 devices used in the Mueller probe were unlawfully wiped clean of records, often by senior prosecutors on that probe, including Andrew Weismann and Greg Andres, or by more junior staff, such as Kyle Freeny and Rush Atkinson. I am deeply concerned that such flagrantly illegal, and debarrable conduct, seeking to cover up prosecutorial misconduct, will be repeated by Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team,” Gaetz stated.
Rep. Matt Gaetz represents District 1 in Pensacola, Florida.
