Special Council Makes Controversial Demand Targeting Millions of Americans

All Americans possess an inherent right to express their opinions, provided it doesn’t incite violence. This entitlement extends to their use of social media under the First Amendment. Nevertheless, the special counsel involved in the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump has made an unexpected and noteworthy petition.

During August, it was revealed that Special Counsel Jack Smith secured a search warrant for records linked to Trump’s X account, previously known as Twitter. Elon Musk’s company was expected to submit the requested documents but failed to meet the deadline, resulting in a penalty exceeding $350,000.

The revelation of the search warrant stirred outrage over the summer, but the issue subsided. Recently, it has resurfaced in the news following the release of a significantly redacted subpoena by the Department of Justice.

The subpoena requested lists of X users who have either favorited or retweeted Trump’s posts, along with all tweets containing the username linked to the account, encompassing both replies and mentions.

Smith additionally sought a compilation of the devices employed to access the account, personal details, and information regarding individuals blocked, followed, unfollowed, and muted by the user.

He sought comprehensive content, records, and other pertinent information concerning Trump’s engagements with other users on the platform spanning from October 2020 to January 2021.

The records were connected to the inquiry into Trump in the election subversion case. He faces four felony charges for his purported actions following his defeat in the November 2020 election.

The call for information prompted a strong backlash from social media users. The prevailing opinion was that Smith had infringed upon the rights of the American people by seeking details concerning those engaging with the ex-president.

Collin Rugg, co-founder of Trending Politics, branded Smith as the “Enemy of the people” in response to the subpoena request.