Part 2/8:
During his remarks, Smith emphasized that the individuals on his special counsel team were chosen based on merit, asserting that political considerations did not influence the selection or assignments.
"The idea that politics played a role in who worked on that case or who got chosen is ludicrous… If you're not inside the DOJ, the idea that politics would influence major cases like this is absolutely ludicrous and contrary to my experience as a prosecutor," Smith stated.
This claim was aimed at reassuring the public and critics that his office operates independently of political pressures, particularly in politically charged investigations.