# Badlands Daily: 7/16/26 - Jack Smith's Spying Scandal, Save America Act Passes & Speech Countdown

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/badlands-media-6674661/badlands-daily-7-16-26-jack-smith-s-spying-scandal-save-america-act-passes-speech-countdown
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/badlands-media-6674661/badlands-daily-7-16-26-jack-smith-s-spying-scandal-save-america-act-passes-speech-countdown.md
Podcast: [Badlands Media](https://stenobird.com/podcast/badlands-media-6674661)
Published: 2026-07-16T18:12:17+00:00
Episode link: https://badlandsmedia.podbean.com/e/badlands-daily-71626-jack-smiths-spying-scandal-save-america-act-passes-speech-countdown/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qncxmz955xnenziy/Badlands_Daily_July_1686o15.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/badlands-media-6674661/episodes/badlands-daily-7-16-26-jack-smith-s-spying-scandal-save-america-act-passes-speech-countdown
Duration seconds: 5397

## Resource

CannCon and Alpha Warrior open with Josh Hawley's fiery account of Jack Smith allegedly surveilling his texts, calls, and location, part of a wider revelation about dozens of senators and congressmen swept up in the same dragnet. From there they break down the House quietly passing a national security bill with the Save America Act tucked inside, just hours before President Trump's much anticipated primetime speech, and dig into early reporting suggesting the address may touch on previously unreported Chinese election interference and what intelligence officials allegedly withheld from Trump. There is a run through of confirmation hearing clips, including a memorable Cash Patel exchange, plus continued speculation about which senators might be called out by name tonight. As always, expect plenty of tangents, sponsor breaks, and a healthy dose of skepticism about how big the speech will actually land.

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## Transcript

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