Former Special Counsel Jack Smith has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but his recent appearance at a “Power to the People Fest” wearing a “No Kings” t-shirt has raised eyebrows even among his supporters. The event, which featured some of former President Trump’s most vocal critics, was a far cry from the impartial demeanor expected of a federal prosecutor.
The concert, organized by Tom Morello, included performances by Bruce Springsteen and others who have used their platforms to attack Trump. Springsteen, who has previously compared Trump officials to the Gestapo, continued his rhetoric, calling the administration “lawless” and “murderers.” Morello, for his part, has labeled Trump and his allies “fascists” and led the crowd in chants of “F— Trump.”
Smith’s presence at such an event, complete with the politically charged shirt, was a stark departure from the image of a nonpartisan prosecutor. It came on the heels of his congressional testimony, where he faced scrutiny over his methods, including the seizure of phone records from Republican lawmakers and Trump’s attorneys.
Newly released documents from the White House Government Transparency Task Force reveal that Smith’s team, under the codename “Plasmic Echo,” conducted what many are calling a fishing expedition. The investigation reportedly tracked communications of at least 21 lawyers affiliated with Trump, numerous campaign staff, and at least five journalists, without proper regard for constitutional protections.
The use of pen registers and trap-and-trace orders, which allow monitoring of call and message metadata, was particularly troubling to critics. These tools were used to surveil members of Congress, including those investigating Smith’s own conduct, without notifying them. The orders were signed off by Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who have been criticized for their passive oversight.
Smith’s history of aggressive legal tactics is well-documented. He previously lost a unanimous Supreme Court case involving former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, and his handling of the Trump investigation has been marked by attempts to expedite prosecutions before the 2024 election. Despite these setbacks, Smith has continued to defend his actions, stating, “Anybody who has worked with me and knows me during the course of my career knows that I would not let politics play a role.”
But his appearance at the festival, alongside figures who openly advocate against Trump, undermines that claim. It was a moment of unguarded partisanship, reminiscent of former FBI Director James Comey’s controversial actions, but without the subtlety. The irony was not lost on observers: Smith seemed more at home in that crowd than in the halls of justice.
As details of the surveillance continue to emerge, bipartisan concern is growing. The lack of focus in the searches, compared to the narrow corruption case against Rep. William Jefferson two decades ago, suggests a broader pattern of overreach. The non-disclosure orders that prevented carriers from notifying affected lawmakers only add to the perception of a prosecutor operating without limits.
For now, Smith’s legacy remains tied to his pursuit of Trump, a pursuit that has drawn both praise and condemnation. His recent public appearance, however, may be the clearest signal yet of where his sympathies lie, raising questions about the integrity of the investigations he led.
