Washington, D.C. – House Republicans capped off their investigation of the January 6 Capitol attack with the release of a report recommending criminal investigation of former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for allegedly tampering with witnesses. This 128-page interim report, spearheaded by House Administration Committee Chair Barry Loudermilk, focuses on what it describes as the "politicization" of the now-disbanded January 6 committee and casts Cheney’s actions as detrimental to the integrity of the investigation.
The GOP report characterizes Cheney, who once held significant standing within the party, as employing her role on the select committee to undermine former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly asserted his political enemies should face retribution. Loudermilk's report claims there is “numerous federal laws” indicating Cheney likely engaged in witness tampering, particularly through her contacts with Cassidy Hutchinson, the committee’s star witness.
“It is unusual—and potentially unethical—for a Member of Congress conducting an investigation to contact a witness if the Member knows the individual is represented by legal counsel,” the report asserts. This line has sparked widespread scrutiny and has raised questions about the legality and ethics of her actions during the investigation.
Cheney has publicly decried the report, describing it as “a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth.” She has stated, “January 6th showed Donald Trump for who he really is – a cruel and vindictive man who allowed violent attacks to continue against our Capitol and law enforcement officers…” Her staunch defense highlights her view of the select committee’s findings as legitimate and comprehensive.
The report, released during Trump's continued influence over the GOP, emphasizes long-running Republican narratives aiming to absolve the former president of blame for the Capitol attack. It stipulates the select committee was heavily biased, claiming it was funded as “a political weapon” to place blame on Trump for the events of January 6, 2021.
Cassidy Hutchinson, the aide at the center of the allegations against Cheney, was instrumental during her testimony at the hearings, providing nuances about Trump’s state of mind leading up to the Capitol riots. Loudermilk’s suggestion of witness tampering revolves around communications between Cheney and Hutchinson after Hutchinson had switched legal representation, allegedly at the prompting of Cheney. This alleged exchange biases the committee's efforts to present unadulterated evidence.
Reports of Hutchinson’s comments about Trump attempting to join the mob at the Capitol and alleged aggressive behavior have also triggered counterclaims, primarily from Trump ally Anthony Ornato, who refuted many of Hutchinson’s assertions. These conflicting testimonies only heighten the political stakes as the case continues.
Key figures from the GOP have rallied behind the report, framing it as integral to reclaiming the narrative around the January 6th attack. There is also underlying support for pursuing legal action against other committee members, including Democratic leadership involved with the investigation.
“Speaker Pelosi’s multimillion-dollar Select Committee was, without doubt, biased and politically motivated,” Loudermilk elaborated during discussions about the report. “Until we hold accountable those responsible, and reform our institutions, we will not fully regain trust.” These sentiments reflect broader concerns within factions of the GOP about accountability and keeping party leadership free from perceived partisan entrapments.
Despite claims within the report, Cheney remains steadfast, arguing her work and the committee’s outcomes substantiate documented evidence of Trump’s wrongdoing. She stated, “The January 6 Committee’s hearings and reports featured scores of Republican witnesses, including many of the most senior officials from Trump’s own White House, campaign and Administration.”
The political ramifications of this report may extend deep within the GOP as members navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to Trump and the pursuit of objective accountability. With the upcoming 2024 elections on the horizon, how this narrative evolves will likely impact candidate strategies and voter sentiments across the political spectrum.
The tension between Cheneys rebounding as the committee’s publication of findings now serves as part of larger debates involving trust, institutional reform, and the political future of the GOP. Meanwhile, calls for criminal inquiries are indicative of the growing partisan divide within Congress. Time will tell how this entrenched conflict shapes Republican strategies moving forward as they face challenges both within their party and from Democratic opposition.
