Special Counsel Jack Smith has spent over $9 million taxpayer dollars throughout the course of his ongoing investigation into Donald Trump.
$5,428,579 was spent from Nov. 18, 2022, through March 31, 2023.
Another $3.8 million was spent by Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies during that time in support of the special counsel’s investigation.
“The Department recognizes the importance of maintaining adequate internal control and is committed to the continuous improvement and oversight of financial management controls,” according to a statement of expenditures.
The largest sum of expenditures included personnel compensation and benefits, which amounted to $2,672,783.
Another $1.8 million was spent on contractual services.
“The Department will continue to dedicate and leverage resources to maintain strong program and financial management controls,” the document reads.
“Management takes its program and financial accountability seriously and is dedicated to ensuring that funds are used in a responsible and transparent manner,” the statement added.
Reporting from The Washington Examiner:
Smith was appointed as special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to look into whether any person violated the law in connection with efforts to interfere with the lawful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump is already facing 37 federal charges in connection to Smith's separate prong of his investigation alleging the former president unlawfully retained classified documents at his Florida home after leaving the Oval Office, including 31 counts of willful retention of classified documents under the Espionage Act. He pleaded not guilty to those charges in federal court last month and the DOJ is asking for a trial to begin in December.
