Jack Smith’s federal Trump cases cost taxpayers more than $50 million
Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Donald Trump over the past two years have come at a significant cost to U.S. taxpayers, exceeding $50 million, according to Department of Justice expenditure reports. The financial disclosures from the Special Counsel’s Office reveal that from his appointment in November 2022 until March 2024, Smith’s office incurred expenses totaling approximately $36.75 million.
These costs encompass both direct and indirect expenses, with funding provided through various Department of Justice agencies. While expenditure figures for the most recent reporting period, from April 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024, have not yet been released, it is estimated that the total amount spent by Smith’s office exceeds $50 million.
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith to oversee the federal investigation into Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election and mishandling of classified documents. Following an exhaustive two-year investigation, Smith filed motions on Monday to dismiss the cases against the former president, citing procedural standards that preclude the prosecution of a sitting president.
The judge presiding over the election interference case agreed to drop the charges, while a decision on the classified documents case remains pending. Trump responded to the judge’s decision, denouncing the investigations as “empty and lawless” and asserting that they should never have been initiated.
In his statement on Truth Social, Trump criticized state prosecutors and district attorneys who he believes targeted him unfairly. He specifically called out Fulton County DA Fani Willis, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James for what he described as inappropriate and unethical actions.
It is worth noting that the Department of Justice and the White House were contacted for comment but did not respond prior to publication. The dismissal of the cases against Trump marks a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the former president. As the dust settles on Smith’s investigations, the substantial financial burden placed on taxpayers during this process is now coming to light.
