House Republicans have released a report recommending that former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney be prosecuted by the FBI for her role in investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. The report, authored by House GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk, accuses Cheney of colluding with former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson and suggests that federal laws were likely broken.
President-elect Donald Trump has supported the report's findings, indicating that Cheney 'could be in a lot of trouble.' Trump's loyalist, Kash Patel, has been chosen to lead the FBI, raising concerns about potential political retribution.
Cheney, a longtime target of Trump, has vehemently defended her work on the January 6 committee, calling the report's allegations 'fabricated lies.' Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson criticized the report as filled with baseless allegations aimed at rewriting history.
Amidst fears of political retribution, discussions have emerged about potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for individuals targeted by the incoming Trump administration. Members of Congress, including Cheney, are protected by broad immunity under the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution.
While some Republicans have called for moving on from the report, others have expressed concerns about being targeted next. The threat of criminal investigation has left lawmakers wary, with some questioning the fairness of potential prosecutions.
Congressional Republicans have hinted at possible investigations targeting special counsels and members of the Biden administration. However, the decision to criminally investigate Cheney is expected to be left to the new Justice Department.
House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan emphasized that Trump is focused on success for the country rather than retribution. Rep. Darrell Issa highlighted the distinction between political disagreements and criminal wrongdoing, suggesting that investigations should be based on credible accusations.
