- Donald Trump called Jack Smith, the latest special counsel to investigate the former president, a “fully weaponized monster”.
- Smith and one of Trump’s own lawyers, James Trusty, shared Obama-era ties.
- Smith is poised to recommend to Attorney General Merrick Garland whether to indict the former president.
- Trusty is part of Trump’s legal brain trust.
- Smith and Trusty bring firsthand insight into how the other manages complex investigations and high-pressure situations.
- Trusty is a registered Republican and Smith is a political independent.
Trump Calls the Latest Special Counsel a ‘Monster.’ His Lawyer Used to Call Him a Friend
James Trusty and Jack Smith worked together — and respected each other — at the Justice Department. Now they're on opposite sides of the Trump probes
Zoe Tillman
