Nation

Sen. Rand Paul grills FBI Director Wray over botched Russia investigation

Published

2 years ago

September 21, 2021

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After reports that Hilary Clinton’s former lawyer Michael Sussman was indicted for fabricating a national security threat, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) looked for someone to blame. In a hearing Tuesday, Paul blamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray for using unconstitutional methods in the Durham probe. The Kentucky Senator aimed all his questions during the Senate Homeland Security Committee to Director Wray.

“When we investigate a presidential campaign,” Paul began, “I think it’s important that we realize the potential for bias that exists in the people bringing an investigation forward.”

As a result of the Durham report being brought to the FISA courts, the investigation was able to bypass constitutional procedure. The U.S. Foreign Surveillance Court does not require the Constitution’s fourth amendment application. In other words, the court does not demand for any probable cause of a crime.

“And I think that’s what happened during the investigation that turned out to be untrue of the Russian collusion,” Paul said. “So we had a massive investigation of a presidential campaign. I don’t think enough of us have stepped back to say ‘my goodness should we be using FISA warrants? Should we be using that type of warrant on an American?'” After all, Americans are entitled to their fourth amendment rights.

“What that inspector general report describes by certain FBI personnel I consider to be unacceptable and unrepresentative of the FBI that I see every day,” Wray said. While he worked for the bureau for four years after Sept. 11, he took a break to work in the private sector. then, he joined the bureau again in 2017. Wray went on to say that he believes another botched investigation “could never happen again.” However, he put in over 40 corrective measures to ensure that it won’t.

Yet Paul pushed back, saying the FISA court functions on a “much lower standard, much more open to abuse.” In addition, the court isn’t a public court or judges to protect defendants. His solution is to reserve the court for foreigners as he claims it was meant to be. Otherwise, he predicted any U.S. president could be next.

You can follow Jenny Goldsberry on Twitter @jennyjournalism.

Related Topics:Christopher Wray durham Rand Paul

Media

Rupert Murdoch Steps Down as Chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp

Published

16 hours ago

September 21, 2023

Alexander Carter

Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media tycoon, announced his decision to step down from his roles as Chairman of Fox Corporation and Executive Chairman of News Corp on Thursday. The transition is set to take effect in November, with his son, Lachlan Murdoch, assuming the position of sole chairman for both media conglomerates.

According to reports from Fox News, Murdoch addressed his colleagues in a letter, where he explained that his decision was prompted by a desire to embrace new roles while recognizing the capable leadership of his son, Lachlan. He stated, “For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change. But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole Chairman of both companies.”

Despite the transition, Rupert Murdoch made it clear that he would remain actively involved in the “contest of ideas,” highlighting the intensifying battle over freedom of speech and freedom of thought. He criticized elites and the media for prioritizing narratives over the pursuit of truth.

“In my new role, I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas,” he wrote.

Lachlan Murdoch issued a statement, congratulating his father for his remarkable 70-year career and acknowledging his enduring impact on the companies he founded. He expressed gratitude for Rupert Murdoch’s vision, pioneering spirit, and steadfast determination, assuring that he would continue to provide valuable counsel in his role as Chairman Emeritus.

Rupert Murdoch’s media empire includes FOX News Channel, which has been a dominant force in 24-hour news coverage since its launch in 1996. Under his leadership, it became one of the world’s most influential news sources. Additionally, Murdoch served as the CEO of 21st Century Fox from 1979 until 2015 and as its Chairman from 1991 to 2015.

Murdoch’s career began in 1954 when he assumed control of News Limited, a public corporation in Australia previously led by his father. He expanded his media holdings internationally, acquiring major UK publications like News of the World and The Sun in 1969, as well as U.S. newspapers including the New York Post and The Village Voice.

His impact extended to television with the launch of the FOX Broadcasting company in 1986 and the subsequent establishment of FOX Sports. In 2019, Fox Corporation emerged as a standalone, publicly traded entity following the separation of 21st Century Fox, redefining the U.S. media landscape.

Rupert Murdoch’s contributions to the media industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Companion of the Order of Australia (A.C.) and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Alongside his family, he has supported various charitable organizations across the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Asia, and Israel.

The transition of leadership marks a significant moment in the media world, as Rupert Murdoch’s enduring legacy continues to influence the future of media and journalism.