 For example, it must be determined whether the special counsel is a principal or inferior officer. Now, I guarantee you never heard of those things until you listen to this program. That's why you're so smart, seriously. No, no, not because you listen to me, but because you want to know stuff. If the former, that is a principal officer, his appointment is invalid because the special counsel is not nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, as principal officers must be under Article II, Section 2, Clause 2.