Bob McDonnell, a former target of Jack Smith, criticizes the “overzealous” Trump prosecutor.

Former Virginia Republican Governor Bob McDonnell strongly criticized Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting former President Donald Trump in a documents case, speaking from personal experience.

In a Wednesday interview with Newsmax, McDonnell expressed his belief that Smith is “overzealous and overaggressive,” stating that Smith prioritizes winning over doing what is right.

Smith previously oversaw the Department of Justice’s public integrity unit, which secured a bribery and extortion conviction against McDonnell in a gifts case. However, the Supreme Court later overturned the conviction with an 8-0 decision in 2016. Smith’s record also includes an unsuccessful prosecution against former Senator John Edwards.

McDonnell accused Smith of being “willing to extend the law to the point to get a win,” referencing Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion in McDonnell’s case, where he rejected the government’s broad interpretation of the federal bribery statute.

On Tuesday, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 charges, including alleged violations of the Espionage Act and charges related to obstruction and making false statements.

During an address to supporters at his New Jersey resort, Trump criticized Smith for running “political hit jobs” and referred to him as a “thug.”

Former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell believes that Special Counsel Jack Smith has an “overzealous and over aggressive” approach, and that he “would rather win than get it right.”

WATCH: https://t.co/6RNkBEwmBU pic.twitter.com/rSYGutAopk

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) June 14, 2023

McDonnell appreciated the support and emphasized that the jury’s composition will determine the impact of Trump’s verbal attacks on Smith. He also acknowledged that if the evidence in the indictment is proven, there may be criminal culpability.

After the indictment was unsealed, Smith expressed his desire for a “speedy trial” in the Trump case, emphasizing that the same laws apply to everyone and that the outcome of the investigation is determined by collecting facts.

David Harbach, who played a prominent role in the cases against McDonnell and Edwards, spoke for the government during Trump’s arraignment, indicating that Smith has brought the “gang” back together, according to McDonnell.

McDonnell also expressed concern about a potential motivation to win with a high-profile political figure in the midst of a campaign, rather than prioritizing the correct application of the law.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases