GOP Targets Liz Cheney Over Alleged Witness Tampering in January 6 Investigation

A House GOP subcommittee is calling for an investigation into former Congresswoman Liz Cheney over alleged witness tampering during the January 6 inquiry, raising questions about ethical boundaries and political motivations.

At a Glance

GOP subcommittee accuses Liz Cheney of witness tampering in January 6 probe.
Allegations center on communications with former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson.
Cheney denies claims, calling them false and politically motivated.
Legal experts doubt the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney.
Controversy highlights ongoing partisan divide over January 6 investigations.

Subcommittee Alleges Witness Tampering

A House GOP subcommittee, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk, is pushing for the Justice Department to investigate former Congresswoman Liz Cheney for alleged witness tampering related to the January 6 probe. The accusations stem from Cheney’s reported communications with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House official, during the committee’s investigation into the Capitol breach.

According to the subcommittee’s report, Cheney allegedly communicated directly with Hutchinson via the Signal app without her lawyer’s knowledge, potentially violating federal law. The report cites 18 U.S.C. 1512, which pertains to witness tampering, though it does not specify which section of the law Cheney allegedly violated.

Accusations and Denials

Representative Loudermilk’s press release outlines the allegations against Cheney, stating that she not only communicated with Hutchinson without her attorney present but also assisted her in obtaining new legal representation. The subcommittee claims these actions were improper and potentially illegal.

“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 accusations. In response to the allegations, she dismissed them as fabrications and an attempt to cover up former President Trump’s actions during the January 6 events. Cheney maintains that the subcommittee’s claims are baseless and politically motivated.

Legal and Political Implications

The controversy surrounding these allegations highlights the ongoing partisan divide over the January 6 investigations. Legal experts, including Jonathan Turley, have expressed doubt about the likelihood of ethical proceedings against Cheney. They argue that as a congressional investigator, Cheney had a duty to pursue witnesses, which may complicate any potential legal action.

The subcommittee’s report also criticizes the January 6 committee, which Cheney co-chaired, for allegedly promoting Hutchinson’s testimony despite knowing it contained disputed claims about Trump’s actions on the day of the attack. This accusation further fuels the debate over the credibility and objectivity of the original January 6 investigation.

Broader Context and Implications

This latest development comes in the wake of Cheney’s departure from Congress in 2023 after losing a primary challenge backed by Trump. It underscores the continued political and legal turbulence surrounding the aftermath of the Capitol breach and the investigations that followed.

The allegations against Cheney and the ensuing controversy serve as a reminder of the deep-rooted partisan divide that continues to shape American politics. As the debate over the January 6 events and their investigation persists, it’s clear that the political landscape remains deeply fractured, with each side accusing the other of misconduct and cover-ups.

As this story develops, it will likely continue to fuel discussions about the ethical and legal boundaries of congressional investigations, the role of partisan politics in such inquiries, and the ongoing impact of the January 6 events on American democracy.