(TruthAndLiberty.com) – Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team received a federal judge grilling over Attorney General Merrick Garland’s oversight into the Trump classified documents case.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, overseeing former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case, questioned Smith’s deputy, James Pearce, about how closely Garland oversaw Smith’s work.
At one point during the questioning, Pearce suggested he isn’t “authorized” to divulge the level of communication between Garland and Smith, stating that he didn’t want it to appear as though he was “hiding something.”
Although other courts have denied Trump’s challenges regarding the legality of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s appointment, Cannon Is taking it seriously — evidenced by the oral arguments, scheduled to take place over three days.
Trump’s attorneys are trying to prove that Smith’s independence in the classified documents case goes beyond the limits permitted by Department of Justice’s employees.
The attorneys argue only an officer appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate has the power Smith is wielding. Emily Bove, an attorney for Trump, highlighted that Garland had previously indicated that he had “no coordination” with Smith in another case the Special Counsel had brought against Trump regarding his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election.
Cannon also appeared eager to establish how much independent authority Smith had been wielding.
However, Smith’s team rebutted the assertion Smith’s appointment was illegal, suggesting Garland gave Smith the role as an uncontroversial exercise and could do so as he had the authority to organize the DOJ.
Pearce also claimed Smith is “in compliance” with the DOJ’s rules when handling the case.
The oral hearings will continue Monday and Tuesday.
Monday’s hearing will focus on whether Smith is being improperly funded by an indefinite DOJ budget line item.
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