Rep. Gooden Questions Special Counsel Jack Smith on Oath of Office Irregularities

Special Counsel Appointment and Oath of Office

• 🎯 Jack Smith was appointed Special Counsel by AG Garland on November 18, 2022, and states he took an oath of office.
• ❓ However, Smith could not recall the specifics of his swearing-in or who administered the oath.

Irregularities in Oath Taking

• ⚠️ Representative Gooden highlighted that Smith's initial oath signing on November 20, 2022, lacked a witness or notarization, which is considered atypical.
• 🗓️ AG Garland reportedly had Smith retake the oath of office on September 14 of the following year, approximately 11 months later.
• 🤷 Smith stated he does not recall the particulars of why the second oath was requested or if he discussed it with AG Garland.

Questions of Legitimacy

• 🔍 The lack of a clear, witnessed oath process raises questions about the legitimacy of Smith's role and the investigations he oversees.
• 🤔 The core issue is which oath is considered the official one, given the unusual circumstances.