Subcommittee Seeks Inquiry into Liz Cheney’s Role in January 6 Investigation

Department of Justice sign on building wall.

A House GOP subcommittee is pushing for a Justice Department investigation into former Congresswoman Liz Cheney over alleged witness tampering during the January 6 probe, igniting a fierce political battle.

At a Glance

GOP subcommittee accuses Liz Cheney of witness tampering in January 6 investigation.
Allegations center on communications between Cheney and former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson.
Cheney denies all accusations, calling them politically motivated fabrications.
Legal experts doubt the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney.
The controversy highlights ongoing partisan divide over January 6 events.

GOP Subcommittee Alleges Misconduct

A House Republican subcommittee, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk, has called for the Justice Department to investigate former Congresswoman Liz Cheney for alleged witness tampering during the January 6 probe. The subcommittee claims that Cheney, who co-chaired the January 6 committee, improperly communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House official, without her lawyer’s knowledge.

The allegations stem from text messages exchanged via the Signal app, showing direct communication between Cheney and Hutchinson. Loudermilk’s report suggests that these communications potentially violated 18 U.S.C. 1512, although it does not specify which section of the law was allegedly breached.

Accusations and Denials

Representative Loudermilk’s press release criticizes Cheney for allegedly assisting Hutchinson in obtaining new legal representation and promoting her testimony despite knowing it contained “outrageous” claims. The subcommittee’s report accuses Cheney of encouraging Hutchinson to hire attorneys favorable to the Select Committee.

“Evidence uncovered by the Subcommittee revealed that former Congresswoman Liz Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinson’s attorney’s knowledge. This secret communication with a witness is improper and likely violates 18 U.S.C. 1512.” – Barry Loudermilk

Cheney, however, has vehemently denied these allegations. She dismissed the claims as fabrications and an attempt to cover up former President Trump’s actions during the January 6 events. Cheney defended the committee’s investigation, arguing that Loudermilk’s report disregards the truth and evidence.

Legal and Political Implications

Legal experts, including Jonathan Turley, have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney. They note that as a congressional investigator, Cheney had a duty to pursue witnesses. This raises questions about the legal basis for the allegations and their potential consequences.

The controversy surrounding these allegations highlights the ongoing partisan divide over the events of January 6 and the subsequent investigations. It also underscores the complex political landscape Cheney now navigates, having lost her congressional seat in 2023 after a primary challenge backed by former President Trump.

Broader Context of January 6 Investigations

This latest development comes in the wake of the January 6 committee’s conclusion last year, which recommended criminal prosecution for former President Trump. The committee’s investigation revealed new details about the attack, including Trump’s alleged inaction during the siege and his subsequent blame on Democratic leaders.

Loudermilk’s subcommittee, tasked with investigating the January 6 committee’s findings, has also alleged that the original committee failed to archive significant amounts of data, including interview summaries and digital information. These claims have been denied by former committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, who stated that all records were turned over to the Department of Justice.

As this political drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the deep divisions that continue to shape American politics in the aftermath of January 6. The calls for investigation into Cheney’s conduct reflect the ongoing struggle to define the narrative surrounding one of the most contentious events in recent U.S. history.