The DOJ’s Actions Under Scrutiny
In a Thursday night WarRoom discussion, Steve Bannon and journalist Julie Kelly took aim at Special Counsel Jack Smith and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their aggressive pursuit of legal cases against former President Donald Trump and his associates. Kelly, a vocal critic of the DOJ’s tactics, highlighted what she sees as a troubling pattern of overreach, alleging misconduct and excessive spending on Smith’s investigations.
"Smith has spent nearly $50 million,” Kelly noted, "pursuing these cases, and for what? To misuse the legal system against a political opponent?” She argued that these investigations go beyond the usual standards of justice, focusing instead on undermining Trump and his network. In her view, the DOJ’s tactics are a clear case of “weaponized lawfare.”
Bannon’s Warning: “The Hunted Become the Hunters”
Bannon suggested that if Trump returns to power, the tables could turn on those pursuing these cases. “The hunted become the hunters,” he remarked, hinting at a potential reversal where Trump’s team would scrutinize those who had once pursued him. Bannon urged for accountability, calling Smith "a stone-cold loser” who has failed repeatedly in previous high-profile cases. Bannon suggested that if Trump’s side investigates, they’ll find missteps and misconduct.
Kelly on Jack Smith’s History of Failures
Julie Kelly further pointed out Smith’s lack of success in past cases, casting doubt on his qualifications. "Jack Smith has been overturned unanimously by the Supreme Court in past cases, including in the prosecution of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell,” she said. "His record is spotty, at best.” Kelly also mentioned Smith’s failed prosecution of John Edwards and Senator Robert Menendez, labeling him a "prosecutor with a vendetta.”
According to Kelly, Smith’s current focus on Trump is not about justice but about damaging a political opponent. She alleged that Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents has relied on questionable tactics, including a dramatic nine-hour raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, which she described as overkill. "They rummaged through personal areas, even Melania Trump’s bedroom, without justifiable cause,” Kelly stated, suggesting that the DOJ staged evidence to strengthen their case.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering and Misleading Practices
One of the most damning accusations from Kelly was that Smith and his team engaged in misleading practices and evidence tampering. She cited instances where the DOJ allegedly staged classified documents in a way that would create an exaggerated narrative in the media. "They took pictures of documents in a way that misled the public, attaching classified cover sheets to unrelated files to give an appearance of wrongdoing,” Kelly claimed.
Kelly argued these tactics go far beyond regular legal procedure, saying, "This entire case reeks of misconduct. If there was any doubt about the DOJ’s intentions, this should make it clear.” She believes these issues warrant an audit into Smith’s handling of the investigation and the funds allocated to it.
A Call for Accountability: "Weaponization of Government”
Bannon wrapped up by calling for a special investigation into what he describes as the "weaponization of government.” He urged Trump, if re-elected, to empower a new DOJ team to examine Jack Smith’s actions. “It’s time for accountability,” Bannon said. “Let’s look at the records, the emails, everything. It’s the only way to expose what they’ve done.”
Conclusion: The Future of DOJ Oversight
As Bannon and Kelly push for transparency and accountability, their conversation spotlights growing concerns about potential abuses of power within the DOJ. If Trump returns to the White House, Bannon’s prediction that "the hunted become the hunters” may signal a new chapter in the ongoing battle over political investigations in Washington. The message is clear: Bannon and Kelly want those in power to face the same scrutiny they’ve imposed on Trump and his allies.