Key points from FBI Director Christopher Wray’s House Judiciary Testimony

Top Takeaways from FBI Director Christopher Wray’s Testimony

FBI Director Christopher Wray recently faced intense questioning from the House Judiciary Committee. Here are the key highlights from the hearing:

1. Wray Indicates Foreign Intel Agencies Worked with Big Tech to Silence Speech

The FBI director was grilled by Republican committee members regarding the FBI’s collaboration with Big Tech to censor American speech. Specifically, they questioned Wray about the FBI’s role in passing requests from the Ukrainian intelligence agency, SBU, to social media companies. This revelation came to light in a recent report from the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government.

1. The report exposed the FBI’s involvement in forwarding lists of accounts to be removed from social media platforms, including American accounts, based on allegations of spreading Russian disinformation.
2. Wray defended the FBI’s actions by explaining that the SBU asked for assistance due to communication disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, this raised concerns about the FBI’s role in censoring Americans’ speech and the potential coordination between U.S. social media companies and foreign governments.

2. Private Corporations Present a Bigger Concern Than Wray

In addition to social media companies, private businesses in the financial sector also need to be held accountable for their handling of consumer information. Wray addressed concerns about Bank of America sharing financial records of customers who purchased firearms before the Capitol riot, highlighting the need for transparency and oversight in this area.

3. Wray Needs to Read the Court’s Opinion in Missouri v. Biden

Wray’s insistence that the FBI was not responsible for censorship was contradicted by the district court’s opinion in Missouri v. Biden. It is crucial for Wray to familiarize himself with the court’s ruling, which ordered the FBI to cease its unconstitutional conduct.

4. So Much Ignorance, So Little Time

Wray’s testimony revealed his lack of knowledge on various issues, including the FBI’s use of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the true nature of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal. Democratic representatives also displayed ignorance or deliberate misrepresentation of facts during the hearing.

5. Why Was Auten Anywhere Near Biden Evidence?

The involvement of FBI analyst Brian Auten in the Hunter Biden investigation raised concerns, considering his previous role in the controversial Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The FBI director provided no clarity on Auten’s participation, leaving unanswered questions about potential bias and misconduct.

6. AG Garland’s the Real Hack Targeting Parents

Wray clarified that the memorandum targeting parents at school board meetings was solely the responsibility of Attorney General Merrick Garland. This revelation highlighted the FBI director’s view of Garland as more of a political operative than a neutral law enforcement official.

7. Orange Man Bad, FBI Good

Democratic lawmakers focused on rehabilitating the FBI’s image and attacking former President Donald Trump and his supporters. This demonstrated their lack of concern for the abuses witnessed in recent years.

8. The Speech or Debate Clause Does Some Heavy Lifting

Democrats attempted to discredit whistleblowers by falsely claiming they were paid for their testimony. However, the speech or debate clause protects the committee members from legal consequences for their false statements.

9. Schiff Can’t Stop Lying

Rep. Adam Schiff continued his pattern of dishonesty, spreading false information about President Trump’s telephone call with the Georgia secretary of state. Despite the transcript proving otherwise, Schiff persisted in his misleading narrative.

10. A Mixed Bag on the Pro-Life Question

Wray’s response to questions about the FBI’s handling of pro-life cases was contradictory. While he refused to condemn the use of excessive force against a pro-life sidewalk counselor, he acknowledged that pro-life centers have faced an increase in violence.