GOP Probes Liz Cheney Over Alleged Witness Tampering in January 6 Case

A House GOP subcommittee calls for a Justice Department investigation into former Congresswoman Liz Cheney over alleged witness tampering in the January 6 probe, sparking a fierce political debate.

At a Glance

GOP subcommittee, led by Barry Loudermilk, accuses Liz Cheney of witness tampering in January 6 investigation.
Allegations center on Cheney’s communications with former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson.
Cheney dismisses claims as false and defamatory, defending the integrity of the January 6 committee’s work.
Legal experts question the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney.
The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding the January 6 investigation.

GOP Subcommittee Alleges Misconduct by Liz Cheney

In a surprising turn of events, a House GOP subcommittee is pushing for a Justice Department investigation into former Congresswoman Liz Cheney. The subcommittee, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk, alleges that Cheney engaged in witness tampering during the January 6 investigation. This development has reignited the contentious debate surrounding the Capitol riot probe and its aftermath.

The allegations primarily focus on Cheney’s communications with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House official who provided key testimony to the January 6 committee. According to the subcommittee’s report, Cheney allegedly communicated with Hutchinson without her lawyer’s knowledge, potentially violating federal law.

Details of the Allegations

The subcommittee’s report cites text messages exchanged via the Signal app between Cheney and Hutchinson. These messages reportedly show direct communication between the two, with Hutchinson later reaching out to Cheney for a phone call. The report suggests that this communication may have violated 18 U.S.C. 1512, a federal statute concerning witness tampering.

“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

However, it’s important to note that the report does not specify which section of the law Cheney allegedly violated, nor does it accuse her of threatening or coercing Hutchinson. The subcommittee also claims that Cheney encouraged Hutchinson to hire attorneys favorable to the Select Committee, raising further questions about the propriety of her actions.

Cheney’s Response and Legal Perspectives

Liz Cheney has vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as fabrications and an attempt to cover up former President Trump’s actions. She argues that the subcommittee’s report disregards the truth and evidence gathered during the January 6 investigation.

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, which may complicate any potential case against her.

Political Implications and Ongoing Controversy

This latest development underscores the ongoing political friction surrounding the January 6 investigation and its aftermath. Cheney, who co-chaired the January 6 committee, left Congress in 2023 after losing a primary challenge backed by former President Trump. The committee’s work revealed new details about the Capitol attack, including Trump’s alleged inaction during the siege.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Justice Department will respond to the subcommittee’s call for an investigation. The allegations against Cheney have reignited debates about the conduct of the January 6 committee and the broader political implications of its findings, ensuring that the events of that day continue to cast a long shadow over American politics.