Former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, known for her vocal opposition to Donald Trump, is now facing criminal allegations following a report by a Republican-led U.S. House subcommittee. The report accuses Cheney of witness tampering and other violations during her tenure as vice chair of the January 6th Select Committee. The committee, which she co-chaired with Adam Schiff, investigated the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, and primarily held Trump responsible for the day’s events. Congressman Barry Loudermilk, chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight, outlined these allegations in a detailed report, claiming Cheney tampered with evidence and interfered with the legislative process.
The report, obtained by Center Square, alleges that Cheney communicated secretly with Cassidy Hutchinson, a key witness, without notifying her attorney. Such actions, Loudermilk claims, violate federal law under 18 U.S.C. 1512, which prohibits tampering with witnesses. Furthermore, the report accuses Cheney of violating 18 U.S.C. 1622 by allegedly procuring perjury from Hutchinson during her testimony. The subcommittee also criticized the FBI for withholding critical documents, such as Hutchinson’s interview report, which could shed more light on her testimony and Cheney’s involvement.
These revelations have reignited controversy surrounding the January 6th Select Committee, which has already faced accusations of mishandling and destroying records. John Solomon, a conservative reporter for Real America’s Voice, highlighted the report’s findings, which recommend Cheney for investigation by the FBI. Solomon also noted claims of collusion between Special Counsel Jack Smith and the January 6th Committee, raising further questions about the integrity of the committee’s proceedings. Many Republicans believe critical evidence was deliberately withheld from Congress when the GOP regained control of the House in 2023.
Liz Cheney has yet to issue a public response to the report’s allegations. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric, suggesting imprisonment for members of the January 6th Committee. On the other side, progressive voices, including Senator Bernie Sanders, are calling on President Joe Biden to issue preemptive pardons for Cheney and others who could face prosecution after Trump’s anticipated return to office in January 2025. This political battle underscores the ongoing polarization in the United States, with Cheney caught at the center of debates over accountability, free speech, and political partisanship.
As the allegations against Cheney unfold, the case highlights broader concerns about the transparency and ethics of congressional investigations. The accusations of witness tampering and perjury could have serious legal consequences, potentially reshaping the legacy of Cheney’s time in Congress. For now, the public awaits further developments as investigations and political tensions continue to mount.