Former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney faces allegations of ethical misconduct in her handling of Cassidy Hutchinson’s Jan. 6 committee testimony, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
At a Glance
- Liz Cheney allegedly communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson without her lawyer’s knowledge
- Cheney coordinated Hutchinson’s testimony through Alyssa Farah Griffin, bypassing Hutchinson’s attorney
- Hutchinson’s testimony changed significantly after hiring new legal counsel recommended by Cheney
- Cheney’s actions may have violated Washington, D.C. bar’s rules of professional conduct
- The controversy raises concerns about the Select Committee’s investigative integrity
Alleged Ethical Violations in Hutchinson’s Testimony
New evidence has emerged suggesting that former Representative Liz Cheney may have engaged in unethical behavior during the January 6 Select Committee’s investigation. Text messages reveal that Cheney communicated directly with key witness Cassidy Hutchinson about her testimony without the knowledge of Hutchinson’s attorney, Stefan Passantino. This action potentially violates the Washington, D.C. bar’s rules of professional conduct, casting a shadow over the committee’s proceedings.
According to reports, Cheney coordinated Hutchinson’s subsequent interviews through Alyssa Farah Griffin, deliberately circumventing Passantino. This maneuvering raises serious questions about the integrity of the witness preparation process and the potential influence exerted on Hutchinson’s testimony.
New evidence shows Liz Cheney and Cassidy Hutchinson communicated through back-channels, without Hutchinson’s attorney, just before Hutchinson changed her sworn J6 testimony.
This was not about running a real investigation. @jsolomonReports https://t.co/EJMrcPVTiE
— Rep. Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) October 16, 2024
Dramatic Shift in Hutchinson’s Testimony
A significant change in Hutchinson’s testimony occurred after she acquired new legal representation, reportedly recommended by Cheney herself. This shift included allegations about former President Donald Trump’s behavior on January 6, 2021, including a claim that he lunged for the steering wheel of the presidential limousine. However, this account, based on second- and third-hand information, was later refuted by the Secret Service driver.
It’s important to note that the text messages unearthed by @RepLoudermilk appear to quote Liz Cheney recognizing she might have an ethical issue contacting Cassidy Hutchinson outside her lawyer. https://t.co/awJ9tnm64b
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) October 15, 2024
The dramatic nature of Hutchinson’s revised testimony, coupled with its alignment with the Select Committee’s narrative against Trump, has led to scrutiny of Cheney’s role in shaping the witness’s account. Critics argue that such actions potentially compromise the credibility of the entire investigation.
Attempts to Discredit Former Counsel
In a further twist to the controversy, it has been revealed that Cheney and Hutchinson attempted to disbar Passantino, Hutchinson’s initial attorney. However, these bar complaints were ultimately dismissed, adding another layer of complexity to the ethical questions surrounding the case.
The alleged coordination between Hutchinson and Farah Griffin to leak information to the press and create a false story for Passantino about the need for additional interviews further complicates the ethical landscape of the investigation. These actions, if true, suggest a concerted effort to manipulate the testimony and narrative surrounding the January 6 events.
“Liz Cheney is an unethical snake and serial liar as was her pet witness, Cassidy Hutchinson.”@julie_kelly2 great description.
Must read report by @jsolomonReports
Should @Liz_Cheney have to answer to Congress for her impeachable behavior? https://t.co/RNNOg0UyYS
— General Mike Flynn (@GenFlynn) October 15, 2024
Implications for the Select Committee’s Credibility
The controversy surrounding Cheney’s actions has broader implications for the Select Committee’s investigation. Critics argue that by advising witnesses and suggesting new legal representation, Cheney may have compromised the integrity of the committee’s work. The promotion of Hutchinson as a star witness, despite conflicting accounts from other White House employees, has further fueled skepticism about the committee’s methods and conclusions.
As these allegations continue to unfold, they cast a long shadow over the January 6 investigation and raise important questions about the intersection of legal ethics and political motivations in high-profile congressional inquiries. The controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in pursuing truth while maintaining the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct.
Sources:
- Congressional Panel: Liz Cheney Spoke to Witness Without Attorney Present
- New Texts Reveal Liz Cheney Communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson About Her Select Committee Testimony—without Hutchinson’s Attorney’s Knowledge—Despite Cheney Knowing it was Unethical
- Liz Cheney Accused of Unethical Behavior Surrounding Jan. 6 Committee After New Text Messages Surface