Rep. Stefanik Files Ethics Complaint Against Special Counsel in Trump Election Case

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the House Republican Conference chair and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has filed an ethics complaint against special counsel Jack Smith. Stefanik accuses Smith, who is overseeing the federal investigations into Trump, of trying to "unlawfully interfere with the 2024 presidential election" by "rushing" Trump's federal election subversion case.

Stefanik said, "Democrats’ corrupt and desperate witch hunts against President Trump must come to an end. This is lawfare and blatant election interference and the American people know it."

In her complaint, Stefanik argues that Smith is attempting to "accelerate his unethical prosecution of President Trump" for the "clear (if unstated) purpose of trying him before the November election." She claims that Smith's efforts to expedite the trial in the 2020 election case before the 2024 election violate Justice Department policy, which prohibits prosecutors from taking actions that could influence an election.

Stefanik also alleges that Smith has violated a federal district court ruling by continuing to turn over evidence and submit filings in the case. "Smith's actions, such as asking the Supreme Court to weigh Trump's immunity claims before they had been considered by an appeals court, demonstrate political animus and a desire to influence the upcoming election," Stefanik stated in her complaint.

Why this matters: The ethics complaint against special counsel Jack Smith highlights the ongoing tensions and legal battles surrounding the federal investigations into former President Trump. The outcome of this complaint and the election subversion case could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election and Trump's political future.

The special counsel's office has declined to comment on Stefanik's accusations. Prosecutors have argued that conducting the trial before the election would not violate Justice Department policy, as the "60-day rule" is tied to the date of the indictment, not the trial. The Justice Department's public integrity section has stated that the 60-day rule does not apply to cases that have already been charged and are being litigated.

Stefanik's complaint is the latest in a series of actions she has taken to demonstrate her support for Trump, including filing previous ethics complaints against other judges overseeing cases related to the former president. As the Supreme Court is set to decide on Trump's claims of presidential immunity, which could further delay his trial as he mounts his 2024 reelection bid, the outcome of this ethics complaint against special counsel Smith remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Rep. Elise Stefanik filed an ethics complaint against special counsel Jack Smith.
• Stefanik accuses Smith of trying to "unlawfully interfere" with the 2024 election.
• Stefanik claims Smith is rushing Trump's federal election subversion case.
• The outcome of the complaint could impact the 2024 presidential election and Trump.
• The special counsel's office declined to comment on Stefanik's accusations.