Topline
Former President Donald Trump placed a call to one of the January 6 committee’s witnesses following its June 28 hearing, vice-chair Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) alleged Tuesday, saying the matter has been turned over to the Justice Department—the latest accusation by lawmakers that Trump and his allies may have tried to influence witnesses’ testimony.
Then-President Donald Trump speaks on the telephone in Washington on December 24, 2018. (Photo by … [+]
Key Facts
Cheney said the witness, who wasn’t named and whose testimony has not yet appeared at any of the House committee’s hearings, did not take the call from Trump.
The witness instead informed their attorney about the call, who notified the committee, according to Cheney.
It is not clear whether the DOJ has formally opened a probe into the call.
Crucial Quote
“Let me say one more time: we will take any effort to influence witness testimony very seriously,” Cheney said in her closing statement at the conclusion of Tuesday’s hearing.
Key Background
Cheney said at the end of the June 28 hearing that the committee obtained evidence suggesting Trump’s team may have tried to tamper with witness testimony, which is a crime. An anonymous witness told the committee prior to the hearing that Trump’s team reached out to ensure they were “protecting who I need to protect.” The June 28 hearing was held on extremely short notice and involved just one witness, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, reportedly because the committee was concerned there was an ongoing effort to influence her testimony.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/12/jan-6-hearings-trump-tried-to-contact-committee-witness-cheney-says/