Tom Cotton Slams Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Latest Filing Against Trump as “Temper Tantrum”

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has launched a blistering attack on Special Counsel Jack Smith, calling his recent legal filing against former President Donald Trump a “temper tantrum from a deranged fanatic.” Cotton made these remarks during a Sunday interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, reacting to Smith’s unsealed legal brief regarding Trump's involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots.

In his 165-page filing, Jack Smith argued that Trump’s actions related to the Capitol riots and election interference were private endeavors, outside the scope of his official duties as president. Smith cited evidence that Trump sought to challenge the 2020 election results through illegal means, despite knowing the election outcome. The unsealing of these documents came just weeks before the upcoming presidential election, sparking outrage from Trump’s allies, including Cotton.

Tom Cotton cuts through Kristen Welker's BS regarding Hurricane Helene, noting that Democrats always have money to spend, except when it comes to Americans in need:
Kristen Welker: "Like the idea that FEMA funds are being redirected to migrants which is not true."
Tom Cotton: "It… pic.twitter.com/WIRmwckzmv

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) October 6, 2024

Senator Cotton accused Smith of using unverified and unexamined grand jury testimony, which is typically not made public. He characterized Smith’s move as an attempt at “election interference” and “professional misconduct,” questioning the timing of the filing. “This is a perfect example of actual election interference,” Cotton said, claiming Smith released the brief just 30 days before the election to sway public opinion. He added that Smith has repeatedly lost legal battles in the Supreme Court and was now engaging in misconduct out of frustration.

Cotton went further to defend Trump, denying allegations that the former president incited violence during the January 6 riot. He insisted that Trump had called for peaceful demonstrations, describing Smith’s accusations as hearsay. “This is unverified, un-cross-examined hearsay from grand jury testimony,” Cotton asserted, demanding that the Department of Justice investigate Smith’s conduct.

Tom Cotton of Fire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2g17J5s7cT

— Miss Genny X 🇺🇸🗽👊🏼 (@100_percentgenx) October 6, 2024

Cotton also rejected claims that Trump had lost the 2020 election fairly, stating that while President Joe Biden is technically the winner, the election was tainted by unconstitutional changes in election laws and suppression of stories about Hunter Biden’s laptop. “The election was rigged through various irregularities,” he added, echoing sentiments frequently voiced by Trump supporters​.

Smith’s legal brief argued that Trump had instructed his allies to “fight like hell” regardless of the election results, based on testimony from former White House aides. However, Cotton dismissed this as an effort by Democrats to divert attention from key issues like inflation and immigration, where they believe they cannot win against Trump​.

This latest clash between Cotton and Smith underscores the deep partisan divisions surrounding Trump’s legal battles. The timing of the unsealing has drawn ire from Republicans, who view it as an overt attempt to undermine Trump’s presidential campaign. Cotton’s remarks are part of a broader GOP effort to discredit the various legal challenges facing Trump, painting them as politically motivated.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump continues to dominate the Republican primary field, despite the multiple indictments and investigations he faces. Cotton, like many of Trump’s staunch allies, sees these legal battles as part of a broader effort to derail Trump’s political comeback.