Jen Psaki: The sad desperation of the GOP impeachment inquiry

House Republicans' star witness allegedly lied to the FBI [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki Saturday, February 24, 2024 ['Star witness' no more]( [Alternate text] [By Jen Psaki]( Incredibly, given the news of the past few days, the [effort to impeach Joe Biden](is still happening. The GOP’s whole debacle effectively revolves [around Alexander Smirnov, the supposedly unimpeachable star witness]( who was going to blow the whistle on the president’s alleged corruption. But as it turns out, Smirnov was a terrible witness. He is now facing a federal indictment for allegedly lying to the FBI. Making matters even more ridiculous, [Smirnov told prosecutors]( he was being fed falsehoods by Russian intelligence officers. In a 28-page filing, prosecutors said Smironv was planning to spread even more lies and propaganda ahead of this year’s election. Worried that he might flee, they had him [rearrested earlier this week](. This is going to be awfully hard for Republicans to explain away. Rep. James Comer and his fellow MAGA House Republicans are already trying to pivot. They’re sloppily trying to cover their tracks and downplay Smirnov's involvement. Comer even dared to say that [Smirnov “wasn’t an important part of this investigation.”]( And as the GOP plows ahead with its baseless impeachment inquiry, two House committees announced that Hunter Biden will appear for closed-door depositions next week. Are Republicans ready to quietly wind this incredibly embarrassing charade down? Not yet. [Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here](. //link.msnbc.com/click/34462330.77390/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXNuYmMuY29tL2luc2lkZS13aXRoLWplbi1wc2FraS9oaWxsYXJ5LWNsaW50b24tamVuLXBzYWtpLWludGVydmlldy1yY25hMTExNDU1P2NpZD1lbWxfbWRhXzIwMjQwMjI0JnVzZXJfZW1haWw9ZDdkYzc0NTE3Mjk3YjM5NzFhYTE0ZDZmMzMxMTM1YTA4NzhmOGY2NDBmYTFhMTAxOWYxNTdiNjVjMWI1ZGQxZA/58292da26e4adc7b0b8b4914B3ac9fd8eAnd tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC.     TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [GUTHRIE GRAVES-FITZSIMMONS]( [Mike Johnson's evangelizing may have finally gone too far]( Responsibility for evangelism lies with churches, not with the speaker of the House. [Read more.]( [JULIO RICARDO VARELA]( [One statistic captures Washington’s indefensible treatment of Puerto Rico]( The slow delivery of aid after the 2017 hurricanes and subsequent earthquakes suggests Puerto Rico may never be treated fairly by Washington. 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[Read more.](     TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [DEADLINE: WHITE HOUSE]( [‘A laughable argument’: Trump seeks to dismiss classified documents case, citing immunity]( [MORNING JOE]( [Tommy Tuberville struggles to answer NBC reporter's questions on IVF ruling in his own state]( [JOSÉ DÍAZ-BALART]( [Magician says he was paid by Democratic operative to make fake Biden robocall]( [ALL IN]( ['Chaos and confusion': Inside the civil war engulfing the Michigan GOP](     [MORE FROM MSNBC]( [Alternate text] Tonight, Rachel Maddow leads analysis of the South Carolina Primary with Steve Kornacki breaking down results at the Big Board. Special coverage continues tonight at 6:30pm Eastern on MSNBC.   “The ReidOut Blog,” the digital extension of “The ReidOut with Joy Reid,” is launching a new special series, “The Reconstruction: A History of Black History.” The series celebrates how the Black community is reclaiming its own narrative, dissects America’s affinity for revisionism, and looks toward the future of storytelling around race in America. [Read more.](     MSNBC INSIGHTS [Alternate text] Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! [Join the MSNBC Insights Community.](   This weekend on MSNBC SATURDAY - MSNBC’s “The Weekend” at 8am ET: Rep. 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