You won’t believe how much!
According to a recent expenditure report, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s federal investigations into former President Donald Trump are costing the Department of Justice (DOJ) more than $1 million each month.
According to Newsweek, Smith is currently serving as the DOJ’s special counsel, tasked with investigating Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and any attempts to impede the lawful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election.
The DOJ released an expenditure report outlining the costs associated with Smith’s investigation. From November 2022 to March 2023, a total of $5,428,579 was spent, averaging just over $1 million per month during that five-month period.
The report breaks down the spending into various categories, including personnel compensation, travel and transportation, rent, communications, utilities, printing, contractual services, supplies, and equipment acquisition.
Last month, Trump was formally indicted on several federal charges related to his possession and mishandling of classified documents discovered at his Mar-a-Lago residence in August. This makes Trump the first former president to face federal criminal charges, which include allegations of willfully retaining classified documents, conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding and concealing documents, and making false statements to investigators. Trump maintains his innocence in the matter.
In November, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith as special counsel to investigate both the classified documents case and the transition of power after the 2020 election. Garland stated that the investigation aimed to determine if any individuals or entities unlawfully interfered with the transfer of power or the certification of the Electoral College vote.
As of now, no official charges or indictments have been announced regarding Trump’s alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot, where his supporters stormed the building while Congress was certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Newsweek contacted Trump’s spokesperson for comment, while the Department of Justice referred them to the expenditure report upon being approached.
Since his indictment, Trump has consistently criticized Smith, referring to him as a “major SleazeBag” appointed by the corrupt DOJ to harm the Republican Party. In a post on TruthSocial over the Fourth of July weekend, Trump called for defunding Smith and accused him of being a puppet for Attorney General Garland and President Biden. Trump urged Republicans to be assertive, warning against potential election theft by Democrats and emphasizing the importance of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.