Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt published a series of posts on July 31, 2025, addressing the role of U.S. intelligence agencies in handling misinformation and the ongoing scrutiny of their actions related to "Russiagate." Schmitt’s statements reflect ongoing political debates over surveillance, censorship, and accountability within federal law enforcement and intelligence organizations.

In one post, Senator Schmitt wrote: "Russiagate gave our intelligence agencies license to spy on outward 'misinformation' threats. But, once you label misinformation a threat to 'critical infrastructure,' now you have a license to censor Americans in the name of the greater good." (July 31, 2025).

He continued his critique with another statement: "I'm confident that FBI Director Patel and DNI Gabbard will continue their great work exposing the Russia hoax and restoring trust in our intelligence agencies. The Durham annex is not the end, but the beginning. Accountability is coming." (July 31, 2025).

In an additional post on the same day, Schmitt stated: "This is actually how they suppressed 'misinformation' in 2020 and beyond." (July 31, 2025).

The discussion referenced by Senator Schmitt traces back to longstanding controversies over U.S. government surveillance practices following investigations into Russian interference during the 2016 presidential election—commonly referred to as "Russiagate." Congressional inquiries and reports have scrutinized whether these investigations led federal agencies to expand their definitions of national security threats and potentially infringe upon civil liberties.

Debates about labeling misinformation as a threat to "critical infrastructure" intensified after several government directives broadened what constitutes protected sectors under cybersecurity policy. This allowed certain forms of information control or content moderation by federal authorities under national security justifications.

Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the United States Senate. He has been an outspoken critic of perceived overreach by federal agencies concerning domestic surveillance and free speech issues.