Senator Eric Schmitt: Exposing the Biggest Censorship Scandal in US History

Overview

This episode features Senator Eric Schmitt discussing his book The Last Line of Defense and delving into topics such as government censorship, the Hunter Biden laptop controversy, the role of NGOs in shaping narratives, and the broader implications of Russiagate. The conversation also explores U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, and the challenges of balancing free speech with national security.

Notable Quotes

- This vast censorship enterprise, in my view, was the greatest affront to the First Amendment we've ever seen in the history of our country. – Senator Eric Schmitt, on the scale of government and big tech collusion.

- If the richest guy on the planet doesn’t buy Twitter, people would still be claiming this was a conspiracy theory. – Senator Eric Schmitt, on the importance of Elon Musk’s Twitter acquisition in exposing censorship.

- Diplomacy means you talk to people you’d never want your daughter to marry. – Senator Eric Schmitt, on the necessity of engaging adversaries like Putin in peace talks.

🛡️ Government Censorship and the First Amendment

- Senator Schmitt detailed his lawsuit, Biden v. Missouri, which uncovered extensive government collaboration with big tech to suppress speech.

- The lawsuit revealed special portals for government agencies to flag content for removal, including emails and texts showing coercion.

- Depositions of figures like Anthony Fauci and FBI agents exposed the depth of this coordination, particularly during COVID-19 and the Hunter Biden laptop saga.

- Schmitt emphasized the need to prevent future censorship by clarifying the limits of government influence over private platforms.

📱 Section 230 and Big Tech’s Role

- Schmitt criticized how platforms like Facebook and Twitter exploited Section 230 protections while acting as publishers by curating content.

- He argued that algorithms making editorial decisions should disqualify platforms from Section 230 immunity.

- The senator expressed concerns about censorship creeping into AI systems, calling for content-neutral principles to safeguard free speech.

🕵️ Russiagate and Institutional Trust

- The discussion revisited the Steele dossier and the FBI’s role in perpetuating the Russiagate narrative.

- Schmitt and David Sacks argued that Russiagate was a manufactured hoax used to undermine Trump’s presidency and sow distrust in institutions.

- NGOs like Hamilton 68 were accused of laundering false claims about Russian disinformation, which were later debunked.

- Schmitt called for accountability for figures like James Comey and John Brennan, suggesting potential legal consequences for their actions.

🌍 Russia-Ukraine War and U.S. Foreign Policy

- Schmitt criticized the Biden administration’s lack of a clear strategy in Ukraine, calling the ongoing conflict a meat grinder.

- He advocated for a negotiated peace, emphasizing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defense.

- David Sacks highlighted Gallup data showing declining Ukrainian public support for the war, suggesting a growing appetite for concessions.

- The panel debated whether continued U.S. involvement risks enabling further conflict or if it’s time to step back.

⚖️ Balancing Free Speech and National Security

- The conversation explored the tension between combating foreign interference and preserving civil liberties.

- Schmitt argued that the government’s actions during COVID-19 and the Hunter Biden laptop story crossed the line into Orwellian territory.

- The senator emphasized the importance of the First Amendment as the beating heart of the Constitution, warning against the dangers of silencing dissent.

- The panel discussed the need for transparency and reforms to rebuild public trust in institutions.