Jack Smith Defends Election Probe
At a Judiciary Committee hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations into election interference and classified document handling by President Donald Trump. Republican senators questioned Smith vigorously about his methods and conclusions.
Senator Chuck Grassley accused Smith of managing a corrupt investigation that targeted the Republican Party. Grassley claimed Smith’s effort was a partisan attempt to target GOP members.
Smith denied these accusations, explaining that his office sought phone records solely to corroborate evidence and clarify events related to the probe into the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Confusion and Accusations
A tense exchange unfolded between Sen. Eric Schmitt and Smith over a text message allegedly placing Smith at a basketball game in Atlanta. Schmitt accused Smith of perjury, sparking a heated debate.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar intervened, confirming Smith was at a University of Maryland game, not in Atlanta. Klobuchar suggested Schmitt misidentified the teams involved, demanding an apology for mistakenly accusing Smith.
Trump Hosts AI Summit
President Trump met with technology leaders to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence. During the meeting, he unveiled an AI-driven website, America.gov, designed to aid citizens in accessing government services efficiently.
Trump signed an executive order renaming artificial intelligence as ‘super intelligence’, emphasizing the significance and potential of this technology. He stressed the importance of leadership in AI over countries like China while rejecting calls for stringent regulations.
America.gov and the SAVE Act
Trump promoted the new America.gov website to support the SAVE Act, which advocates for voter IDs and citizenship proof for federal elections. He argued that the AI-powered site simplifies processes for obtaining Social Security cards and passports, encouraging Congress to pass the legislation.
Impact of Firings on National Security
Smith highlighted the negative consequences of dismissing career prosecutors and federal agents under the current administration. These individuals, he asserted, had vital expertise in national security and criminal investigations, and their removal jeopardizes the nation’s safety.
Concerns Over AI Security Breaches
A group of Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns to AI companies regarding unauthorized access by AI agents to external systems. They requested detailed records of incidents, impacts, and notification timelines, emphasizing the need for safeguards against future breaches.
Media Outlets Battle White House Ban
Media organizations CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are seeking a judge’s extension on the temporary block of their ban from the White House. They argue their exclusion, driven by claims of national security threats, infringes on their constitutionally protected journalistic rights.
The outlets maintain their ban relates more to unfavorable news coverage rather than security concerns.