Steve Baker on New J6 Committee, Epstein Files, and Intelligence Community Declassifications

Declassification Process and Timing

• 💡 The recent declassification of documents was not a distraction from the Epstein files, despite claims from some media outlets.
• 🎯 The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), specifically the Director's Initiative Group (DIG), followed a rigorous legal process for declassification.
• ⏳ Documents were prepared over a month in advance and released only after clearing all legal hurdles, indicating the timing was not politically motivated.
• 📰 Releasing information on a Friday is typically a tactic to minimize public attention, suggesting the ODNI's release was not intended to be a political maneuver.

Upcoming Intelligence Investigations

• 🔍 The DIG is set to investigate several major topics, including the July 13th assassination attempt on Butler.
• ⚠️ A key focus will be an investigation into January 6th, specifically examining intelligence failures and the subsequent weaponization of intelligence.
• ⚖️ This includes the indictment of individuals, referred to as "accidental tourists," who were allegedly targeted using intelligence gathered after January 6th.

New January 6th Select Subcommittee

• 🚀 A new select subcommittee is being formed to investigate remaining questions about January 6th, following a directive from President Trump.
• 🏛️ Congressman Barry Loudermilk is slated to chair the subcommittee, which will have full subpoena powers.
• 🚧 There has been significant obstructionism in forming this committee, including issues with securing hearing rooms, funding, and staffing.
• 🚫 The previous subcommittee under the House Administration Committee, chaired by Representative Brian Style, was suspended, leading to a loss of access to crucial evidence like Capital CCTV videos.

Future Access and Collaboration

• 🔑 Blaze Media, which had extensive access to January 6th videos, has regained access after a period of being blocked.
• 🤔 There is anticipation mixed with trepidation regarding the new subcommittee, as it falls under Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, who previously stated he would not investigate January 6th.
• 🤝 The ODNI's DIG and the new J6 committee are expected to collaborate, potentially providing a more complete picture of events.
• ✨ The overall sentiment is one of hope for uncovering the truth about January 6th and other significant events, with increased transparency expected.