From The Special Counsel’s Office To The Campaign Trail: Former Trump Prosecutor Turns Firing Into Political Launchpad

Above the Law

by Staci Zaretsky

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

J.P. Cooney, a former federal prosecutor who served as principal deputy to special counsel Jack Smith during the two criminal prosecutions of Donald Trump, has turned his firing by Trump into a political stepping stone. Cooney views his ousting as a badge of honor, symbolizing his commitment to the rule of law over presidential loyalty. He is now running for a House seat in Virginia, leveraging his legal background and high-profile dismissal to launch his campaign. Cooney’s tenure with Smith involved key prosecutions related to Trump, including the former president’s tax returns case and the retention of confidential information. His decision to run for Congress stems from concerns about the threats posed to democracy and the rule of law under Trump's presidency. Cooney has already raised over $200,000 in campaign funds, signaling strong support for his political ambitions. This situation highlights broader tensions between executive power and legal accountability in the U.S. Cooney’s experience underscores how conflicts between political leadership and the justice system can shape political careers. His campaign could reflect voters’ attitudes toward Trump’s legacy and their expectations of government integrity.

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/24/2026