As per recent disclosures made by the Department of Justice, the investigation conducted by Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding former President Donald Trump has resulted in a financial burden of $9 million for American taxpayers thus far. Smith’s office has incurred a total expenditure of $5,428,579 from November 2022 to March 2023, with an additional $3.8 million spent by other DOJ agencies during the subsequent four months after his appointment.

The investigation’s budget was divided into seven primary categories, which included compensation and benefits for personnel, travel expenses, utility costs, printing charges, contractual services, supplies, and equipment acquisition. The largest portion of the expenses was allocated to personnel compensation and benefits, amounting to $2,672,783, followed by contractual services at $1,881,926.

The Department of Justice reiterated its dedication to the responsible and transparent utilization of funds. They promised to continue allocating resources and upholding robust program and financial management controls. Former President Trump himself is facing 37 charges related to mishandling classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, with 31 charges falling under the Espionage Act.