Arrr, Rep. Massie be grilling Garland on whether this Jack Smith fella be followin' proper pirate code! Aye!
2024-06-04
Arrr! Yon Republican scallywag Congressman Thomas Massie be grilling the Attorney General on whether 'tis within the bounds of the Constitution to name Jack Smith as special counsel during a grand hearing on Tuesday. Shiver me timbers!
In a hearing, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, R-Ky., questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland on the legality of appointing Jack Smith as a special counsel. Massie challenged Garland's authority to create an office within the government without Congress's approval. He cited former Attorney General Ed Meese's argument that Smith's appointment violates the Constitution's Appointments Clause. Meese described Smith as a "naked emperor" with no authority to represent the U.S. Meese's brief also highlighted that Smith was investigating potential law violations related to the 2020 election and January 6 events.Garland defended the appointment, stating that regulations have allowed for special counsels for decades. He argued that previous special counsel appointments, including under William Barr, were based on existing statutes. However, Meese contended in his brief that the Attorney General lacks the authority to appoint a private citizen as a special counsel without congressional approval.Meese's arguments were even referenced in Supreme Court oral arguments on Trump's immunity. Massie further pressed Garland on the need for congressional authorization and presidential nomination for such appointments, questioning the legality of Smith's role.