Attorney General Merrick Garland named a special counsel on Friday to oversee the Justice Department’s investigation into the presence of classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

The appointment of veteran prosecutor Jack Smith, announced just three days after Trump formally launched his 2024 candidacy, is a recognition of the unmistakable political implications of two investigations that involve not only a former president but also a current White House hopeful. It installs a new chain of command over sensitive probes seen as likely to accelerate now that the midterm elections have concluded, with Garland citing Trump’s entry into the race and President Joe Biden’s stated intention to run again as reasons for Smith’s sudden appointment.

“The Department of Justice has long recognized that in certain extraordinary cases, it is in the public’s interest to appoint a special prosecutor to independently manage an investigation and prosecution,” Garland said from the Justice Department’s podium.

Trump addressed the news Friday night at an America First Policy Institute gala at Mar-a-Lago, slamming what he described as the “appalling announcement today by the egregiously corrupt Biden administration and their weaponized Department of Justice.”

He called it a “horrendous abuse of power” and “the latest in a long series of witch hunts,” and insisted he’d “done nothing wrong,”

Smith, who led the Justice Department’s public integrity section in Washington and later served as the acting chief federal prosecutor in Nashville, Tennessee, during the Obama administration, is set to begin his work immediately, Garland said. He has been serving since 2018 as chief prosecutor for the special court in The Hague, Netherlands, that is tasked with investigating international war crimes. #WakeUpCLT #January6 #Politics

Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Whether you’re looking for a city to relocate to or just want to visit Charlotte, North Carolina, there are many things to see and do. Whether you’re a young couple, a family, or an older adult, there’s something for everyone.

Charlotte is known for its beer and wine scene. There are hundreds of breweries to choose from. You can tour them, taste them, and even learn about brewing. There are also free concerts every weekend.

The city is also home to numerous sports teams. The Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes are some of the teams fans come to cheer for. Other teams include the UNC Charlotte 49ers, Duke University Blue Devils, and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Charlotte is also home to NASCAR. The NASCAR hall of fame is located in downtown Charlotte. NASCAR teams include Stewart-Haas Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Roush-Fenway Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Charlotte’s economy is strong. The unemployment rate was 4.9% in 2017. This is one of the lowest rates in the country, and the city has a median salary that’s higher than the national average. Other employers in the area include American Airlines, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Amazon.

The weather in Charlotte can vary. It’s usually hot in the summer, but the cooler weather is perfect for outdoor activities. During the fall, Charlotte experiences a mixture of warmer and cooler days. In winter, Charlotte typically sees snow only once or twice a year.