Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is planning to introduce legislation aimed at defunding the federal investigation into former President Donald Trump led by special counsel Jack Smith. This decision came on the heels of Trump’s announcement on receiving a “target letter” regarding the 2020 election section of the inquiry. Gaetz said:

“I will be introducing legislation to DEFUND Jack Smith’s witch hunt against President Trump.”

Gaetz intends to introduce the legislation as a standalone bill, bypassing the appropriations process. This could garner support in the Republican-majority House, where Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) recently voiced concerns about the potential for unequal justice, especially considering Trump’s run for another White House term.

However, the proposed bill might face considerable resistance in the Democratic-controlled Senate and from the White House. Gaetz acknowledged this in his video, underlining that the public deserves transparency regarding their Congress members’ stances on this issue.

Since his appointment as special counsel, Smith’s investigation has consumed over $9 million in taxpayer funds, surpassing the costs of other special counsel inquiries. His responsibilities include investigating Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his management of sensitive documents post-presidency. Trump has continually denied any wrongdoing, branding these investigations as a “witch hunt”.