Trump blasts Jack Smith over informant payment in 'Arctic Frost' case: 'Should be sitting in prison'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lashed out once again at former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Saturday, January 10, using his Truth Social platform to accuse Smith of criminal wrongdoing and insist he belongs behind bars.

The outburst came after Trump seized on a media report detailing an FBI source payment tied to Smith’s election interference investigation.

Trump's Truth Social rant targets familiar foe

In his post, the president revived his long-running personal attacks on Smith, blaming him for what Trump claims were politically motivated investigations.

“Deranged Jack Smith should be sitting in prison for all that he has done to disgrace our Country!” Trump wrote.

Trump added, “Jack Smith team approved $20k payment to informant to snitch on Trump team during Arctic Frost case.” 

Trump’s post followed reporting by Just the News, which revealed that Smith’s team approved a $20,000 payment to a confidential FBI source during its probe into the “fake electors” scheme connected to the 2020 election.

While the outlet framed the payment as controversial, such reimbursements are explicitly allowed under federal law when sources provide records or information to investigators.

Trump has repeatedly accused prosecutors, attorneys general, and law enforcement leaders of weaponizing the justice system, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, often responding with calls for punishment.

FBI emails prove payment

The payment surfaced in internal FBI emails later shared with Congress as part of materials related to "Operation Arctic Frost."

In a June 2, 2023, email, an FBI agent requested authorization to compensate a confidential human source for assistance provided to the investigation.

Special counsel adviser Raymond Hulser responded with a brief approval.

The source reportedly supplied phone-related data connected to several Republican lawmakers.

The disclosure has angered senators whose records were examined, including Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, and Josh Hawley.

Some have threatened lawsuits, arguing the DOJ overstepped its authority.

Jack Smith's looming public testimony

Smith is expected to testify publicly before Congress in the coming weeks, offering the most detailed account yet of his investigations into Trump’s post-election conduct and handling of classified materials. 

During a closed-door House Judiciary Committee session in December 2025, Smith stated investigators believed they had sufficient evidence to charge Trump in both matters.