Eric Schmitt Questions Witness on Disinformation Governance Board Role

Disinformation Governance Board and First Amendment Concerns

• 🎯 Senator Eric Schmitt questioned a witness regarding her role in the Biden administration's Disinformation Governance Board.
• 💡 The witness, who was acting general counsel at DHS, stated she was not the co-chair but was aware of Nina Jankowicz being selected as executive director.
• 🗣️ Schmitt raised concerns that the board aimed to censor viewpoints, citing examples like the origins of COVID-19 and mask efficacy.
• ⚖️ He referenced a federal district court judge's statement calling the initiative a significant affront to the First Amendment.

Witness's Role and Memo

• ✍️ Schmitt presented a memo authored by the witness on January 31st, 2022, asking Secretary Morcus to approve a charter.
• ❓ The charter reportedly aimed to address misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19.
• 🚫 The witness maintained that it is not appropriate for the government to censor any points of view.

Engagement with Social Media Companies

• 🗓️ A proposed schedule in the memo indicated a meeting with Twitter executives, including Yoel Roth, to discuss the Disinformation Governance Board's analytics.
• 🤝 Schmitt suggested Twitter became involved in efforts to dispel the Hunter Biden laptop story as a "hack and leak Russian hack and leak operation."
• 🏛️ The witness stated she was not engaged with Twitter on these efforts and did not recall the specific meeting.
• 📜 Schmitt referenced the lawsuit Missouri versus Biden, highlighting his familiarity with the witness's efforts and concerns about government overreach.

Broader National Security and Legal Points

• 🚁 The witness also commented on drone technology, national security issues, and potential gaps in the Espionage Act.
• 🛂 She mentioned the border exception to warrant requirements and the suitability of military sites for such provisions, distinguishing them from public libraries.