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U.S. Attorney GeneralĀ Merrick GarlandĀ appointed a special counselĀ to oversee two ongoing criminal investigations into former PresidentĀ Donald Trump. The move was made to help ease concerns that the investigations are partisan in nature and avoid any conflict of interest over the decision on whether charges should be filed.
Garland said veteran prosecutorĀ Jack SmithĀ will handle the investigations and make the decision whether to file charges against Trump.
"Throughout his career, Jack Smith has built a reputation as an impartial and determined prosecutor who leads teams with energy and focus to follow the facts wherever they lead," Garland said. "As special counsel, he will exercise independent prosecutorial judgment to decide whether charges should be brought."
The White House said it was not involved in the decision-making process to appoint a special counsel.
"DOJ makes decisions about its criminal investigations independently, and we are not involved,"Ā an official toldĀ NBC News.
Trump isĀ facing several investigations, including a criminal probe into whether he illegally took classified documents when he left the White House at the end of his term. He is also under investigation for possible obstruction over his role in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The announcement comes just three days after Trump announced he would beĀ running for president in 2024.