After two years, millions of taxpayer dollars, and a flurry of accusations, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into President Donald Trump has officially wrapped up—and it’s leaving Americans with a sour taste in their mouths. Why? Because despite burning through over $50 million in taxpayer funds, Smith has ultimately dismissed the cases against Trump, citing “procedural standards.” In other words: all that drama, all that spending, and absolutely nothing to show for it.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) reports reveal just how eye-watering the costs were. Across three reporting periods, Smith’s office spent an average of $12 million per period. These funds covered everything from direct investigation costs to “indirect” expenses provided by DOJ agencies. And the grand total? A staggering $50 million-plus, with the final expenditures yet to be disclosed. If you’re a taxpayer, you’re footing the bill for this fishing expedition, and the return on investment is zero.
Jack Smith’s failed Trump cases cost taxpayers more than $50 millionhttps://t.co/63O03g8xPY
— What Now Tim (@whatnowtim) November 26, 2024
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith back in November 2022 to investigate Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election and supposed mishandling of classified documents. The probe included high-profile moments like Trump’s infamous mugshot and surrender to authorities. It was all designed to cast a cloud over the former president as he geared up for his 2024 run. But after nearly two years of relentless scrutiny, Smith has quietly walked away, filing motions to dismiss the cases due to procedural issues.
Let’s call it what it is: a colossal waste of time and money. While Smith and his team were busy running up the tab, Americans in places like North Carolina—still recovering from Hurricane Helene—could have desperately used a fraction of those funds for disaster relief. Instead, the money went toward an investigation that produced a lot of headlines but no meaningful results.
Smith’s defenders argue he was just “doing his job,” but shouldn’t there be accountability for squandering public resources on cases that were doomed from the start? This wasn’t about justice; it was about optics, plain and simple.
The real question is, what happens next? Will the DOJ learn from this embarrassing misstep, or will it keep funneling millions into politically charged investigations with no clear endpoint? One thing’s for sure: Americans deserve better than this. Whether or not Smith faces consequences, the message is clear—stop wasting our money.