'Give it up': James Comer slammed as he insists Alexander Smirnov 'not an important part' of Biden probe

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The internet has erupted with skepticism as Kentucky Rep James Comer downplayed the significance of claims made by indicted FBI informant Alexander Smirnov in GOP-led investigation into alleged Biden family influence peddling.

In a recent appearance on 'Sunday Morning Futures', Comer asserted that Smirnov's assertions are "not an important part" of the probe but assured that GOP lawmakers are committed to leaving "no stone unturned" in their pursuit of truth.

Comer unveils the limited information on Smirnov

Comer shed light on the limited information available about Smirnov, emphasizing that the only knowledge they had was related to the 1023 form allegation.

He pointed out that the FBI had not investigated this matter, relying on information provided by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who characterized Smirnov as one of the bureau's most trusted and highly paid informants, having served for over a decade.

Despite downplaying Smirnov's importance to the case, Comer labeled it as a tip that warranted investigation, reiterating the GOP's commitment to exploring every allegation of Biden influence peddling.

"All we knew about Smirnov was the 1023 [form] allegation. We knew from sources that the FBI had never investigated it, and all we knew was what Christopher Wray told us, that this informant was one of their most trusted and highest paid in the bureau, and he had been in that position for over ten years, so that's all we knew about him," he said of Smirnov.

"He wasn't an important part of the case, but it was a tip that we should investigate. We are not going to leave any stone unturned. We're going to investigate every allegation of Biden influence peddling."

Unveiling Smirnov's legal woes

The Justice Department recently unsealed court documents charging Smirnov with providing false information. The informant had claimed that Joe Biden and Hunter Biden received millions in exchange for their assistance in removing a Ukrainian prosecutor investigating Burisma Holdings. Prosecutors also revealed Smirnov's extensive ties to Russian intelligence officials.

Ohio Rep Jim Jordan, also participating in the discussion, and raised questions about the disparate treatment of individuals like Christopher Steele, a former British spy, who faced no indictment despite making false claims.

"He continued to get paid after they found out what he told the FBI wasn't true. This Smirnov guy gets indicted and arrested not once, but twice," he said.

"David Weiss had this information, the 1023 [form], back in 2020. What did he do for the last three and a half years? Why didn't he look into it before? Because all we knew is what Chairman Comer just said. Christopher Wray said this was a great, confidential human source that we've been paying for 14 years. He's helped put away bad guys. His safety is jeopardized if we give you access to this 1023…"

Jordan questions timing and handling of Smirnov case

Addressing the timeline, Jordan expressed skepticism, saying, "Maybe the guy did lie, I don't know, but it seems strange to me because it looks like David Weiss didn't do a darn thing with this until after the plea deal falls apart last July. Because if you read the indictment, it's in July when they go talk to the confidential human sources handler and start this process that ultimately led to his arrest, so we'll have to see."

In a related development, House investigators ventured to an Alabama prison to interview Hunter Biden's ex-business associate, Jason Galanis, serving a 14-year sentence for securities fraud. Comer shared insights from the interview, aligning with previous statements made by Tony Bobulinski.

"What we learned was very similar to what Tony Bobulinski said, that he was familiar with the CEFC [China Energy] deal. He knew that Joe Biden played an integral role in helping set this up, that this deal was set up when Joe Biden was vice president, and that the Chinese believe that Joe Biden was going to be an equity owner in this, just like what we saw with AmeriCorps Health," he said.

"This is how the Bidens sold the brand. They didn't just use Joe Biden as a crutch, they used Joe Biden as a potential board member, as a potential equity owner, and that's how they were able to receive tens of millions of dollars from our enemies around the world."

Social media reacts: divergent opinions on Comer's statements

As James Comer's remarks circulated, social media users expressed a spectrum of opinions.

One user wrote, "It’s over. Give it up already."

Another added, "Funny he said it was just a few weeks ago, him and Jim jorden."

One replied, "It must be true if Comer says so and it’s on Fox News. "

Another added, "Because the evidence proves he was telling the truth!."

One commented, "The GOP needs a time machine, because blatantly lying just isn't working for them."