Authorities investigating ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith for alleged illegal political activity
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — U.S. Federal officials have opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the former special counsel who investigated then-candidate Donald Trump before his reelection to a second term.
The Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency, on Saturday confirmed the investigation after reporting by other news organizations. Smith was named special counsel to investigate Trump in by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022.
Trump and his Republican allies, including Sen. Tom Cotton, have — without offering evidence of wrongdoing— accused Smith of violating the Hatch Act, a federal law that bans certain public officials from engaging in political activity.
Smith prosecuted two federal cases against Republican candidate Trump in the lead-up to the November 2024 presidential election. Smith ultimately dropped the cases — neither one had gone to trial — after Trump was reelected, which would have shielded him from prosecution according to longstanding Justice Department practice. Smith then subsequently resigned as special counsel.
Cotton, R-Ark., on Wednesday asked the Office of Special Counsel to investigate Smith, alleging that his conduct was designed to help then-President Joe Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, both Democrats. Biden had dropped his own bid for reelection following his disastrous performance in a campaign debate against Trump and tapped Harris to succeed him on the ticket.
Trump won the election.
The New York Post was first to report on the investigation into Smith.
Darlene Superville, The Associated Press
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The Province
an hour ago
- The Province
The two ways Trump's tariffs on Canada could collapse — despite his fight to keep them
The courts are considering whether they're even legal under U.S. law, and the American economy has yet to feel the pain of higher prices Dubbing it "Liberation Day," U.S. President Donald Trump announces his plan to enact sweeping new reciprocal tariffs worldwide, on April 2, 2025. Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images/File WASHINGTON, D.C. — Time's up. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump raised the tariff rate on Canadian goods not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) from 25 to 35 per cent, saying they 'have to pay a fair rate.' The White House claims it's because of Canada's failure to curb the 'ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.' U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, however, show that fentanyl seizures from Canada make up less than 0.1 per cent of total U.S. seizures of the drug; most smuggling comes across the Mexican border. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors But the future of Trump's policy also rests on shaky ground, and the tariffs could come crashing down even if Canada can't reach a deal at some point. Imposed through a controversially declared 'national emergency' under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the tariffs come with essentially three paths for relief to Canadian exporters and their American customers: the courts and the economy. And there's always the wildcard: that the president changes his mind. Without relying on that, National Post looks at two very possible ways out of all this: The courts: There is a big question hanging over whether Trump's tariffs are even legal under the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress powers over trade. Trump has bypassed that by claiming he's using presidential IEEPA emergency powers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On Thursday, the Washington, D.C.-based Federal Circuit Court of Appeals convened an en banc hearing for oral arguments in challenges to Trump's use of IEEPA. The 11 judges questioned whether the law meant for sanctioning adversaries or freezing assets during emergencies grants Trump the power to impose tariffs, with one judge noting, 'IEEPA doesn't even mention the word 'tariffs.'' The White House, meanwhile, says the law grants the president 'broad and flexible' emergency powers, including the ability to regulate imports. 'Based on the tenor and questions of the arguments, it appears that the challengers have the better odds of prevailing,' Thomas Berry, the CATO Institute's director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, said in a statement. 'Several judges peppered the government's attorney with skeptical questions about why a broad term in IEEPA like 'regulate importation' should be read to allow the president to unilaterally impose tariffs.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Trump's lawyers claim his executive order provides the justifications for the tariffs — in Canada's case, fentanyl. But Berry said 'those justifications would not matter if IEEPA simply does not authorize tariffs in the first place. That is the cleanest and simplest way to resolve this case, and it appears that the Federal Circuit may be leaning toward that result.' A decision is expected this month, and if it's a resounding push back from the judges' panel, said Andrew Hale, a senior policy analyst at Heritage Foundation, the Supreme Court may not even take up the case. If so, he says, 'these Liberation Day tariffs and everything that's been imposed under emergency legislation, IEEPA, that all evaporates.' At that point, the White House would not be able to declare across-the-board tariffs against countries. Instead, it would have to rely on laws allowing tariffs to be imposed on specific products that are found to threaten U.S. national security, like those currently imposed on Canadian steel and lumber. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The economy: The other path to tariff relief is through economic pressure. If Americans start to see higher prices and economic uncertainty, and push back at the ballot box — or threaten to do so — it could force Trump to reverse course. The most recent figures show that U.S. inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index, hit around 2.7 per cent in July. That's a slight rise, fuelled by rising prices for food, transportation and used cars. But it's still close to the Federal Reserve target of two per cent. U.S. unemployment rose slightly to 4.2 per cent in July, while far fewer jobs were created than expected, and consumer confidence rose two points but is still several points lower than it was in January. Overall, most economists agree that risks of a U.S. recession over the next 12 months are relatively low, but skepticism over growth remains high. 'Our outlook is for slower growth in the U.S., but no recession,' said Gus Faucher, chief economist of The PNC Financial Services Group. He notes that the 'tariffs are going to be a drag' because they are a tax increase on imports. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Economists have said price inflation from tariffs is not yet being felt in the U.S. but believe it's inevitable. 'Trump's tariff madness adds a great deal to the risks of a recession,' said Steven Hanke, professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University who served on President Ronald Reagan's Council of Economic Advisors. 'With tariffs, Americans are going to be paying a big new beautiful sales tax on goods and services imported into the U.S., and taxes slow things down. Taxes don't stimulate.' It is surprising that higher U.S. prices haven't happened yet, said Jonathan Gruber, chairman of the economics department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But he explained that it's likely a reflection of the duration of contracts and the fact that import sellers haven't yet put up prices — 'because they were hoping it wouldn't be real, like they'd wake up from this nightmare.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think we start to see the effect on prices by the end of the year,' said Gruber. The trouble for Canada, however, is that the Canadian economy is starting from a much weaker position, with higher unemployment, lower consumer confidence, and a slowing GDP, on top of the trade tensions. So, trying to wait things out for the U.S. to feel the pinch will be even more painful for Canadians. And any American downturn will also reverberate north. 'As Uncle Sam goes, so goes Canada,' said Hanke. Gruber agrees with that, but with a caveat. 'It's all bad in the short run and good in the long run,' he says. He believes the U.S. is 'weak and getting weaker' and that Canada should start taking advantage of how the U.S. is making opportunities for other countries to invest in themselves. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We're not investing in our future. We're killing our education. We're killing our research. We're not allowing in immigrants,' he said, explaining the weakening of the U.S. economy. 'We're basically setting the stage for long-run economic slower growth.' Meanwhile, China is doubling down on investment, research and other longer-term policies. 'Canada and other countries need to do the same,' Gruber said. And as for when a backlash could lead to a reversal in the U.S., Gruber points to two factors. 'It's got to be high inflation, and Trump's opponents need to make sure that the voters understand that's Trump's fault.' National Post tmoran@ Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here. News News Tennis Columnists Vancouver Canucks
The Province
2 hours ago
- The Province
U.S. trade frameworks create 'shifting landscape' as B.C. looks to cultivate LNG markets
The U.S. is also willing to 'simply use their influence to bully trade partners into beneficial trade deals on energy,' says one observer. At the same time Premier David Eby was touting B.C.'s potential to export liquefied natural gas to Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump was unveiling his county's trade framework agreement with South Korea. Here, Eby tours the control room for the LNG Canada plant in Kitimat. Photo by Government of B.C. At the same time Premier David Eby was touting B.C.'s potential to export liquefied natural gas to Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump was unveiling his county's trade framework agreement with South Korea, which included a commitment to purchase US$100 billion of American LNG. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Tying energy to easing up on tariff threats has become a common theme in Trump's attempt to reorder the U.S. trading landscape, either with purchase commitments or contributions to American energy infrastructure, an element in a framework reached with Japan. Such agreements create a 'shifting landscape' for the LNG market that Canada will have to navigate with partners apparently willing to pay premiums for American energy in exchange for their 'strategic partnership' with the U.S., said University of B.C. trade economist Werner Antweiler. Eby's Asia trade mission, mere weeks before the U.S. deals were announced, sought to cultivate B.C.'s trade relationship with both countries, and he left sounding assured about the province's potential. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Eby spoke about meetings B.C. representatives had with LNG Canada's key partners: the Korean gas utility KOGAS, Mitsubishi in Japan and Malaysia's Petronas, where executives 'underlined how important it was to them that this project was able to be reliable.' However, Antweiler, chair in international trade policy at UBC's Sauder School of Business, noted that the U.S. is also willing to 'simply use their influence to bully trade partners into beneficial trade deals on energy. David Eby has spoken about meetings B.C. representatives had with LNG Canada's key partners: the Korean gas utility KOGAS, pictured here, Mitsubishi in Japan and Malaysia's Petronas. However, the U.S. is also willing to 'simply use their influence to bully trade partners into beneficial trade deals on energy,' says one observer. Photo by SeongJoon Cho / Bloomberg 'Some have called it a protection racket,' Antweiler said. 'Korea buys U.S. energy at a premium or preferentially, and in turn U.S. provides military protection, rather than for the U.S.'s own geostrategic benefit.' LNG's buyers — major utility firms — purchase fuel on long-term contracts and Antweiler said it is likely the South Korea deal will result in a 'reshuffling market share,' with new U.S. imports replacing its expiring contracts with Qatari LNG suppliers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Their overall demand for LNG is not increasing much and is down from a peak in 2021,' Antweiler said. In rough estimate, he estimated it could increase the U.S. share of South Korea's market to about one third from five per cent now. In the case of Japan, the notice from Trump's White House dated July 23, said the sides are 'exploring a new offtake agreement for Alaskan LNG,' with a proposal that is in its early stages, but which is vying for the same market share as B.C. 'Japan's commitment to Alaskan LNG may be looked at through the perspective of energy security too,' Antweiler said. Premier David Eby (right) watches as a LNG carrier manoeuvres in Kitimat. LNG Canada, a consortium of five partners including Shell, Malaysian state-owned Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corp. and KOGAS, is contemplating a $30-billion addition to its Kitimat plant that would nearly double its capacity to 26 million tonnes of LNG per year from 14 million tonnes per year now. Photo by Government of B.C. / Government of B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix argued that the LNG projects in the works 'have real advantages over other projects, say the Alaska project, and everything else.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Obviously we only control what we control, the provincial and the federal government,' Dix said. However, he added that the provincial and federal governments are 'working closely' with LNG Canada related to the company's yet-to-be approved Phase 2. LNG Canada, a consortium of five partners including Shell, Malaysian state-owned Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corp. and KOGAS, is contemplating a $30-billion addition to its Kitimat plant that would nearly double its capacity to 26 million tonnes of LNG per year from 14 million tonnes per year now. A spokesperson for LNG Canada said the company itself isn't involved in sales: its joint-venture partners determine where the product is delivered and sold. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dix, however, said 'we feel that our (LNG Canada Phase 2) is a really outstanding project and we're optimistic about it. But at the same time, it's not entirely our decision. It is a reason why you want to settle all the issues so that the sooner they move forward, the better it is for B.C. and for everybody.' Dix added that before now, B.C. didn't have the option of offshore exports for natural gas, the province's biggest export commodity, worth $16 billion in trade in 2024. And the U.S. trade deals underline the importance for B.C. to diversify. 'If you ask me, do I worry? I worry every day about everything,' Dix said. 'Because there's a lot at stake for B.C. and we've got to continue to meet our economic goals, we've got to continue to create more wealth and energy sovereignty.' Antweiler said Canada might need to turn to 'countries that are not constrained by trade deals with the United States.' 'It's all a matter of reshuffling trade directions, but in the end the LNG market is global,' he added. 'World supply and world demand must be clear, no matter what the U.S. does.' depenner@ Read More News News Tennis News News
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
1 youth arrested, 4 others outstanding after man fatally stabbed in Peterborough early Sunday morning
A homicide investigation is underway after a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Peterborough on Aug. 3. A male youth is in custody and four others are outstanding after a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed early Sunday morning in Peterborough. The incident happened near Monaghan Road and Cameron Street. Police said at about 2 a.m. officers were called to a parking lot in that area. 'Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim and a friend were walking in the area when a confrontation happened between the two and five youths,' Peterborough Police Service said in a news release. 'During the confrontation, the victim was stabbed, and the youths ran from the scene.' Investigators said the victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre where he died of his injuries. The age of the accused and what charges he may be facing have not been released at this time. His name cannot be released under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police have also not released descriptions for the four outstanding young persons. Roads in the area were shut down for several hours as police, including members of the K9 unit, searched the area, but have since reopened. Peterborough Police Service's Remotely Piloted Aircraft System as well as an OPP helicopter also assisted with an aerial search. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Bell at 705-876-1122, ext. 206, or Det. Const. Minnema at 705-876-1122, ext. 362, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
