It gets dangerous when you start sweeping up Americans: Sen. Eric Schmitt

Key Concepts

• FISA Court: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, responsible for authorizing electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes.
• FISA Database: Database containing information collected under FISA warrants.
• Weaponization of Government: The use of state power against political opponents or citizens.
• Steel Dossier: A controversial document containing unverified allegations about Donald Trump's connections to Russia.
• Jack Smith: Special Counsel appointed to investigate Donald Trump’s actions.
• Fonie Willis: District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, involved in a case against Donald Trump.

Improper FBI Queries of FISA Database

Senator Josh Hawley revealed that the FBI improperly queried the FISA database approximately 280,000 times, targeting American citizens. These individuals reportedly included political donors, crime victims, and protesters. This revelation prompted concerns about potential government overreach and the weaponization of intelligence agencies. Senator Eric Schmidt, present at the hearing, emphasized the need for reform, framing this issue within a broader pattern of government abuse, particularly during recent Democratic administrations.

Origins of Concerns: The Russia Hoax & FISA Court

Senator Schmidt traced the genesis of these concerns back to the FISA court’s handling of the Steele dossier during the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He characterized the Steele dossier as a “political hit job” and “opposition research that was made up,” asserting it was improperly used to surveil Donald Trump and attempt to undermine his administration. He stated, “If you want to understand the genesis of the Russia gate hoax, it really started in a FISA court.” This highlights a perceived abuse of the FISA process for politically motivated surveillance. He stressed the importance of intelligence gathering regarding adversaries like China, but cautioned against the indiscriminate collection of data on American citizens.

Allegations of Political Targeting Under the Biden Administration

The discussion then shifted to allegations of political targeting during the Biden administration. Senator Schmidt addressed claims that Special Counsel Jack Smith denied spying on 400 Republicans, including eight US Senators. However, he cited evidence, referencing Senator Grassley’s findings, indicating a “fishing expedition” to obtain phone records, specifically mentioning the targeting of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Coordinated Campaign Against President Trump

Senator Schmidt argued that the appointment of Jack Smith shortly after Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy, coupled with interactions between the White House Counsel’s office and Fulton County District Attorney Fonie Willis, and the involvement of a high-ranking DOJ official in the Manhattan District Attorney’s case against Trump, constituted a “very coordinated campaign to sideline President Trump.” He asserted that the goal was to prevent Trump from regaining office, and that the actions extended to targeting Republican senators, the Republican Attorney General Association, and the Republican Governors Association, simply for being Republicans. He stated, “Their crime was that they were Republicans.”

Concerns About Democratic Use of Power

Senator Schmidt expressed deep concern about the willingness of Democrats to “do anything” to seize and maintain power, warning that such actions should “send shivers down the spine of every American regardless of your party.” He emphasized that while the American people ultimately weighed the evidence and rejected the attempts to disqualify Trump, the underlying behavior represented a dangerous precedent.

Impending FISA Reform

The Senator noted that the current FISA authorities are set to expire in April, creating an opportunity for reform to address the identified abuses and protect the rights of American citizens. The hearing was presented as a step towards achieving these reforms.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The core takeaway from the discussion is a strong assertion of government overreach and the potential weaponization of intelligence agencies against political opponents and ordinary citizens. The concerns center around improper use of the FISA database, allegations of politically motivated investigations under both the Trump and Biden administrations, and a perceived pattern of abuse originating with the Steele dossier and the Russia investigation. The impending expiration of FISA authorities provides a critical window for reform to safeguard civil liberties and prevent future abuses of power.