Former Representative Liz Cheney is facing allegations of witness tampering involving key witness Cassidy Hutchinson during the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.
A GOP-led panel, chaired by Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), is recommending a federal criminal investigation into Cheney’s actions, citing potential violations of ethical conduct and federal laws.
The Allegations
The controversy centers on Cheney’s alleged secret communications with Hutchinson via the encrypted messaging app Signal. According to a report released by the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, Cheney directly contacted Hutchinson without the knowledge or consent of her attorney, Stefan Passantino.
Evidence indicates that Cheney used an intermediary, Alyssa Farah Griffin, to facilitate these communications. In one message, Griffin informed Hutchinson: “Cheney’s one concern was so long as you have counsel, she can’t really ethically talk to you without him.” Despite this acknowledgment, Cheney reportedly continued to bypass Hutchinson’s legal representation, arranging calls and influencing the testimony Hutchinson would later provide publicly.
Disputed Testimony
Cheney’s alleged actions occurred shortly before Hutchinson delivered her public testimony in June 2022, which included claims about former President Donald Trump. Hutchinson testified that Trump had “lunged” for the steering wheel of his presidential vehicle when Secret Service agents refused to drive him to the Capitol.
However, subsequent evidence cast doubt on this narrative. Witnesses, including Secret Service agents, disputed Hutchinson’s account. Additionally, Hutchinson reportedly misidentified the vehicle where the alleged incident occurred. Representative Loudermilk criticized the select committee’s handling of the testimony, stating: “Cassidy Hutchinson’s most outrageous claims lacked any evidence, and the Select Committee had knowledge that her claims were false when they publicly promoted her.”
Calls for FBI Investigation
The panel’s interim report accuses Cheney of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1512, a federal statute prohibiting witness tampering. Loudermilk and his colleagues have urged the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation into Cheney’s actions. Legal experts are divided on the seriousness of the allegations. However, Cheney’s supporters dismiss the allegations as a politically motivated attack aimed at discrediting her role in holding Trump accountable.
What Happens Next?
The House GOP panel’s recommendations carry no legal weight on their own, but they place pressure on the Justice Department to act. With Trump’s allies, including Pam Bondi (nominated Attorney General) and Kash Patel (potential FBI Director), expected to take key roles in his administration, the outcome of this investigation could have significant political implications. Cheney has yet to respond publicly to the accusations. Meanwhile, Hutchinson’s legal team has declined to comment further.
The Political Fallout
The allegations against Cheney highlight the deep political divisions surrounding the January 6 investigation. Once a rising star in the Republican Party, Cheney’s outspoken criticism of Trump and her central role in the January 6 hearings led to her primary defeat in 2022. Since then, Cheney has aligned herself with Democratic leaders, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Trump continues to use Cheney as a symbol of Republican disunity, frequently citing her opposition to his policies as evidence of internal party conflicts.
The allegations of witness tampering against Liz Cheney have intensified scrutiny of the January 6 investigation. As the Justice Department considers the panel’s recommendation, the political and legal ramifications could impact Cheney’s legacy and Trump’s potential return to power.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
