White House slams Jack Smith as partisan attack rat after No Kings shirt at Springsteen concert
On Oct. 5, 2026, the White House openly attacked former special counsel Jack Smith, describing him as a “partisan attack rat for Democrats” after images surfaced of him wearing a No Kings T‑shirt at a Bruce Springsteen concert in Columbia, Maryland.
The remarks came from communications director Steven Cheung, who posted on X that Smith is a “scumbag” who “weaponized the justice system against President Trump for political purposes.” Cheung added, “Don’t think they won’t go after innocent Americans again if they get their way.”
Smith was photographed at the Power to the People Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2026, while seated at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, nursing a beer and displaying the shirt that Springsteen sells as merchandise from his recent Land of Hope and Dreams tour. The festival’s website frames the event as a celebration of civic engagement, with ticket proceeds supporting VoteRiders and HeadCount, organizations that assist voter registration.
The White House criticism follows Smith’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sep. 29, 2026, where he told senators, “I am not a politician and I have no partisan loyalty… My career has been dedicated to serving our country by upholding the rule of law and the core principles upon which our country was founded.” The committee questioning focused on Smith’s impartiality in the Arctic Frost FBI probe that led to indictments of former President Donald Trump.
Conservative outlets highlighted the contrast between Smith’s oath‑bound claim of nonpartisanship and his public appearance at a politically themed concert. The No Kings shirt, a slogan associated with anti‑Trump protest sentiment, was described by several commentators as a “badge of honor” for the former special counsel.
White House officials have not indicated whether further action will be taken against Smith, but the public rebuke underscores the ongoing tension between the administration and the former special counsel over his investigative role and perceived political alignment.
