Former special counsel Jack Smith publicly criticizes the Justice Department, saying it has been “corrupted” by actions and influence from President Donald Trump and his allies. According to reports, Smith made the comments at a private event in Washington last month, accusing Justice Department leaders of targeting individuals for prosecution in a way that he says is intended to satisfy or impress the president. Separate coverage emphasizes that Smith is taking his arguments to the public after he was not able to fully make his case in court, framing his remarks as a more direct and forceful effort to raise these concerns outside of litigation. The two accounts describe Smith’s broader claim that prosecutorial decision-making and priorities are being shaped by political considerations, rather than by the cases and legal standards themselves. Both outlets attribute the characterization to Smith and relate it to his view of conduct involving Trump and associated figures, while differing mainly in emphasis—one focusing on the setting and specific allegation about targeting, and the other focusing on his shift from the courtroom to public statements.