Headline: Former Prosecutor Turned Congressional Candidate Accuses Trump DOJ of Firing Him for Role in Probes

J.P. Cooney, former principal deputy to Special Counsel Jack Smith in the prosecutions against President Donald Trump, announced his Democratic bid for U.S. House in Virginia's proposed 7th District on February 11, 2026, claiming he was fired by Trump's Department of Justice for his role in those cases.[1] Smith praised Cooney as a man of integrity committed to the rule of law, according to reports.[1]

In related developments, Trump waived his right to appear at arraignment in his federal election interference case and authorized a not guilty plea, following a superseding indictment unsealed last week by Smith's team.[2] The updated charges maintain the original counts of conspiracy and obstruction tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election but excise references to Trump's official presidential acts, complying with the Supreme Court's immunity ruling.[2] A court conference is set for Thursday, with no arraignment date yet.[2]

Tensions escalated as Republican lawmakers grilled telecom executives on February 10 over subpoenas from Smith's probe that accessed phone records of 20 current or former GOP members of Congress, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who called it an outrage.[3] The records captured call times but not content, linked to Trump's January 6, 2021, outreach to delay election certification.[3] Company lawyers defended compliance with legal demands, treating them routinely amid hundreds of thousands yearly, while Democrats dismissed GOP complaints given January 6 violence.[3] Smith previously justified the tactic in a December deposition, stating it would apply equally to Democratic senators if contacted by Trump.[3]

Earlier, on January 22, Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee, facing Republican scrutiny over his Trump investigations, including claims of willful law-breaking by Trump and DOJ retribution concerns in Trump's second term.[1][5] Sen. Marsha Blackburn accused Smith of violating his oath by weaponizing justice against constitutional rights.[4]

These events highlight ongoing clashes between Smith's lingering probes and Trump's allies, amid congressional bids and legal maneuvers shaping the political landscape. Listeners should watch for court updates and redistricting outcomes in Virginia that could affect Cooney's race.[1][2] (Word count: 348)

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