Jack Smith’s former deputies join anti-Trump legal advocacy organization

Published August 12, 2026 5:23pm ET | Updated August 12, 2026 5:23pm ET



JP Cooney and Molly Gaston, who previously worked for former special counsel Jack Smith at the Department of Justice, are bringing their legal expertise against President Donald Trump to Democracy Forward.

The legal advocacy organization hired the two veteran federal prosecutors to build a team focused on fighting the Trump administration’s “corruption and weaponization of government.” The nonprofit group filed more than 150 lawsuits against the administration last year.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.