Jeffrey Clark, a former high-ranking official at the U.S. Justice Department, is undergoing a disciplinary hearing due to alleged misconduct linked to his support for former President Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 election, as reported by a Washington ethics lawyer on Tuesday.
Hamilton “Phil” Fox, the District of Columbia Bar’s disciplinary counsel, described Clark’s actions as an “attempted coup,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation in his initial statement.
Clark came under scrutiny for his efforts to direct the Justice Department while Trump pursued unfounded claims of widespread election fraud.
Clark’s lawyer, Harry MacDougald, countered these accusations, arguing that Clark was merely involved in internal discussions within the department about election integrity. MacDougald defended Clark’s actions as expressions of his honest opinion and independent judgment.
The core of the allegations against Clark revolves around ethics charges accusing him of attempting actions involving dishonesty that could undermine the administration of justice.
One specific charge involves Clark allegedly trying to send a letter to Georgia officials falsely raising concerns about election integrity, according to charges filed in 2022.
A legal battle ensues over Clark’s actions during Trump’s election (Via Devon Starc/Shutterstock)
The disciplinary hearing, overseen by a committee of the Board on Professional Responsibility, could lead to penalties ranging from suspension to revocation of Clark’s law license.
The case was initiated by the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which investigates potential breaches of legal ethics.
Clark’s involvement in Trump’s legal battles over the 2020 election extends beyond this ethics hearing.
He faces criminal charges in Georgia and federal court in Washington related to efforts to overturn the election results. Clark appears as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the federal case.
Expected to testify during the hearing are former leaders of the Justice Department, including Jeffrey Rosen and Richard Donoghue, who opposed Clark’s proposed actions. Republican figures like Matt Gaetz and Mark Meadows may also testify in Clark’s defense.
