Allegations from the Administration Oversight Subcommittee suggest Liz Cheney engaged in witness tampering during her term with the January 6 Committee, sparking discussions on ethical standards in politics and the Department of Justice's possible involvement.
Liz Cheney Faces Potential Legal Challenges Over Allegations of Witness Tampering
Liz Cheney Faces Potential Legal Challenges Over Allegations of Witness Tampering
Accusations of witness tampering against former Rep. Liz Cheney could lead to legal repercussions, echoing her past criticisms of Donald Trump's actions.
Years after her loss in the House, Liz Cheney is now confronted with serious allegations from the Administration Oversight Subcommittee, which claims she engaged in witness tampering during her time on the January 6 Committee. These charges, which carry significant legal ramifications, were recently brought to light by Representative Barry Loudermilk during an appearance on Life, Liberty, and Levin. Loudermilk condemned Cheney’s actions, labeling them hypocritical, especially in light of her previous handling of similar allegations against Donald Trump.
Loudermilk referenced a televised hearing in 2022 where Cheney expressed alarm over Trump’s attempts to reach out to a witness involved with the January 6 Committee. Although those attempts were unsuccessful, Cheney had escalated the issue to the Department of Justice, deeming it a potential instance of witness tampering. “I am only using Liz’s own standards that she used,” Loudermilk articulated, questioning Cheney’s integrity. He compared her past statements to evidence suggesting her inappropriate communication with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
According to Loudermilk, Cheney's interaction with Hutchinson resulted in alterations to Hutchinson's testimony. Following Cheney's advice, Hutchinson dismissed her attorney, Stefan Passantino, and sought Cheney’s help in finding new legal counsel. Notably, Passantino, unaware of Cheney’s involvement, found himself excluded from the situation as Cheney allegedly swayed Hutchinson’s decisions.
The subcommittee's findings reference 18 U.S.C. § 1512, a federal law against witness tampering, as the foundation for potential legal actions against Cheney. If proved guilty, she could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Furthermore, the report indicates Cheney’s actions might not enjoy protection under the Constitution’s speech and debate clause, as they were detached from legislative duties.
“This is why we’re saying, ‘Look, I cannot make that determination, but the Department of Justice can,’” Loudermilk stated, mirroring rising demands for the DOJ to probe Cheney’s alleged misdeeds.
The allegations against Cheney have reopened discussions surrounding accountability and ethics in the political domain. As inquiries into these matters progress, they are likely to alter public views about Cheney’s involvement with the January 6 Committee and the broader significance of her conduct.
Loudermilk referenced a televised hearing in 2022 where Cheney expressed alarm over Trump’s attempts to reach out to a witness involved with the January 6 Committee. Although those attempts were unsuccessful, Cheney had escalated the issue to the Department of Justice, deeming it a potential instance of witness tampering. “I am only using Liz’s own standards that she used,” Loudermilk articulated, questioning Cheney’s integrity. He compared her past statements to evidence suggesting her inappropriate communication with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
According to Loudermilk, Cheney's interaction with Hutchinson resulted in alterations to Hutchinson's testimony. Following Cheney's advice, Hutchinson dismissed her attorney, Stefan Passantino, and sought Cheney’s help in finding new legal counsel. Notably, Passantino, unaware of Cheney’s involvement, found himself excluded from the situation as Cheney allegedly swayed Hutchinson’s decisions.
The subcommittee's findings reference 18 U.S.C. § 1512, a federal law against witness tampering, as the foundation for potential legal actions against Cheney. If proved guilty, she could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Furthermore, the report indicates Cheney’s actions might not enjoy protection under the Constitution’s speech and debate clause, as they were detached from legislative duties.
“This is why we’re saying, ‘Look, I cannot make that determination, but the Department of Justice can,’” Loudermilk stated, mirroring rising demands for the DOJ to probe Cheney’s alleged misdeeds.
The allegations against Cheney have reopened discussions surrounding accountability and ethics in the political domain. As inquiries into these matters progress, they are likely to alter public views about Cheney’s involvement with the January 6 Committee and the broader significance of her conduct.
