Part 2/7:
The disclosures have come to light through Politico, which obtained a Form 278e public financial disclosure report, completed by Smith himself. In this report, he verifies the legitimacy of the financial support through his electronic signature, which states that he certifies the information is true and correct to the best of his knowledge.
Critics have started questioning Smith’s motivations for seeking outside legal advice when he is already embedded within the Department of Justice (DOJ). Observers are puzzled as to why, with the substantial resources available to him at the DOJ, he required such extensive outside help. The implication here is stark: if his activities are above board, why wouldn’t he utilize the resources provided by his office?