Trump Demands Jail Time for Liz Cheney and Mississippi Congressmen Over Jan. 6 Investigation

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has stated his intention to pursue legal consequences against former and current members of Congress who investigated his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In an interview with NBC News aired Sunday, he suggested that lawmakers behind the special congressional panel should face incarceration.

On “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” Trump accused the committee leaders, including Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney, of lying and called for their imprisonment. He characterized Cheney’s actions as “inexcusable” alongside Thompson, describing them as part of a “political thug” group.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Jason Miller, an adviser to the president-elect, attempted to clarify the comments on CNN. He asserted that Trump’s statements were taken out of context, emphasizing a desire for equitable law application rather than targeted investigations.

Amid this political turmoil, sources suggest President Joe Biden is contemplating preemptive pardons for Cheney and other committee members to shield them from any possible legal action under a Trump administration. These discussions are apparently ongoing within the White House.

Cheney has publicly condemned Trump’s behavior during the Capitol insurrection, labeling it “the worst breach of our Constitution by any president in our nation’s history.” Her statement underlined the seriousness of the events, detailing Trump’s role in inciting the mob that attacked the Capitol.

The Justice Department has charged over 1,560 individuals in connection with the riot, with various cases including assaults on police and trespassing. Trump’s potential pardons could impact a significant number of these cases, given the large scale of arrests.

During his NBC interview, Trump expressed a plan to issue pardons to those involved in the riot on his first day in office, claiming they acted under duress. He also shifted blame for the attack onto former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while perpetuating unverified claims about “antifa” involvement.

Trump’s statements about the January 6 committee’s supposed destruction of evidence have been contradicted by the availability of extensive committee documentation, including hundreds of witness transcripts and a comprehensive final report accessible online.

Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a fellow committee member, criticized Trump’s rhetoric as a desperate measure from someone aware of his impending historical judgment. He defended the committee’s integrity, emphasizing their commitment to factual accountability.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Thompson’s office has not yet responded to Trump’s allegations, and inquiries regarding Biden’s proposed pardons remain unanswered.

Last updated 2:13 p.m., Dec. 9, 2024