Members of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team are reportedly seeking legal counsel in anticipation of potential investigations or legal action by the Department of Justice under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
The report, published by Rolling Stone this week, highlights the growing concern among those involved in Smith’s investigations into Trump.
According to Rolling Stone, multiple attorneys and staffers who worked on Smith’s special counsel team have already retained personal lawyers or sought legal advice.
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These steps are reportedly being taken to prepare for the possibility that Trump’s Justice Department might probe their conduct or bring charges against them.
One source with knowledge of the situation told the magazine that several individuals have preemptively reviewed their private and professional communications to ensure there is nothing that could be subpoenaed or publicly disclosed to suggest misconduct or bias against Trump.
The report also states that some federal investigators, including junior staff members, have consulted legal groups about potential strategies for dealing with such investigations.
Davis: Jack Smith knows 18 USC §241—conspiracy against rights, a serious felony. When officials and citizens, like @AWeissmann_ and @normeisen, conspire to violate Americans’ rights or target enemies for non-crimes, it’s a clear violation. Nobody’s above the law. Lawyer up.… pic.twitter.com/7Ryakdb8cd
— Grace Chong, MBI (@gc22gc) November 26, 2024
These individuals are also exploring precautionary measures to protect themselves and seeking advice on how to handle the financial burden of potential legal battles.
The sources cited by Rolling Stone expressed concerns that a revitalized Trump administration might launch “revenge probes” into those who participated in legal actions against the former president.
These concerns include fears of being targeted for their roles in investigations stemming from the January 6 Capitol riots and other cases.
Independent journalist Julie Kelly, known for her reporting on alleged abuses of power by the Department of Justice in cases related to January 6, commented on the situation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kelly remarked that the “hunter” has now become the “hunted.”
Rolling Stone this week confirmed reports that Jack Smith, his prosecutors, and even staffers are lawyering up and terrified about the prospect of a Trump DOJ investigation into the special counsel’s office.
“Multiple people who worked with Smith and his core team have…
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) December 27, 2024
In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker earlier this month, Trump appeared to downplay the idea of retribution, emphasizing a focus on national success rather than revisiting past grievances.
“I’m really looking to make our country successful,” Trump said. “I’m not looking to go back into the past. I’m looking to make our country successful. Retribution will be through success. If we can make our success — this country successful, that would be my greatest, that would be such a great achievement.”
Mic drop answer from President Trump:
“I’m really looking to make our country successful. I’m not looking to go back into the past. I’m looking to make our country successful. Retribution will be through success.” pic.twitter.com/DgtEbugv6e
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) December 9, 2024
Despite Trump’s public comments, many conservatives have argued that the former president has a legitimate basis for pursuing investigations or legal action against those involved in what they view as politically motivated cases against him.
The possibility of investigations into Smith’s team adds a new layer of complexity to the legal and political landscape surrounding Trump’s return to the White House.
As members of Smith’s team brace for potential scrutiny, the balance of power in the Justice Department and the impact of these developments on the broader political climate remain to be seen.
This evolving story underscores the contentious nature of the legal battles that have surrounded Trump’s presidency and his efforts to seek accountability for what he and his supporters see as unfair treatment by the justice system.
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