Liz Cheney hints at criminal charges for Trump over Capitol riot during Meadows vote
Mulitple legal analysts noted that Cheney specifically used language referring to US code.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Multiple legal analysts noted how Rep Liz Cheney used incredibly particular legal language that might open the door to a criminal referral for former president Donald Trump for his actions during the Capitol riot on 6 January.
Ms Cheney, who serves as the vice chairwoman of the select committee investigating the Capitol riot, made the remarks during the committee’s vote to hold former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress and after she read a series of text exchanges between Mr Meadows and Mr Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr and various Fox News hosts.
Follow live for Mark Meadows vote and reaction
“Did Donald Trump, through action or inaction, corruptly seek to obstruct or impede Congress’s proceedings?” Ms Cheney said.
Harvard Law School professor emeritus Laurence Tribe noted that Ms Cheney’s words specifically referred to US Code 1505.
The code specifically says that “Whoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law under which any pending proceeding is being had before any department or agency of the United States, or the due and proper exercise of the power of inquiry under which any inquiry or investigation is being had by either House, or any committee of either House or any joint committee of the Congress” should be fined under the law and potentially imprisoned.
CNN’s Elie Honig made a similar note to host John Berman.
The select committee voted unanimously to approve a report recommending Mr Meadows be held in contempt of Congress. The House will vote on Tuesday whether to refer such a charge to the Justice Department. This came after Mr Meadows defied a congressional subpoena from the committee after initially cooperating.
“He has not claimed and does not have any privilege basis to refuse entirely to testify regarding these topics,” Ms Cheney said during the vote Monday evening. Ms Cheney revealed text exchanges Mr Meadows had between Mr Trump’s eldest son and Fox News hosts Brian Kilmeade, Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments