As announced, the Commission of Inquiry into the attack on the US Capitol has summoned ex-President Donald Trump. He must hand over the requested documents by November 4 and be available for a multi-day interrogation under oath from November 14, according to the letter published Friday. It is unclear whether Trump will comply with the subpoena or take action against it. His lawyers initially announced Friday that they would investigate the document.
Trump supporters stormed the US parliament building on January 6, 2021 – right after the Republican appearance. The then-president stirred up crowds with false claims that his victory over challenger Joe Biden in the November 2020 election was stolen by fraud. He called on his supporters to protest in front of the Capitol, where Biden’s election victory was about to be officially sealed. Five people were killed in the attack.
The House of Representatives committee wants, among other things, that Trump on the day of the attack has data on all telephone conversations, text messages and communications via the Signal chat service. He must also disclose with whom he communicated about the results of the presidential elections. In particular, MEPs want to be aware of all documents since September 1 that mention the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers – two right-wing groups that violently participated in the attack.
Probably just a symbolic step
The subpoena published on Friday could remain a symbolic move. There is a process to bring defaulting witnesses to court for contempt of Congress. But the committee is running out of time.
A new House of Representatives will be elected in November. The committee should finish its work by the end of the year – before the newly elected House of Representatives begins work in January. And polls say the Republican Party, which is largely pro-Trump, is likely to win a majority in the election. Then further investigation into the attack should be off the table.
Going to court is rather unlikely
If Trump doesn’t obey the subpoena, the commission could take him to court. However, that would probably be a month-long process with no time for it. The other way would be to report Trump to the Justice Department for contempt of Congress. For example, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has already been convicted and is facing four months in prison. However, the ministry has followed only two of the commission’s four advertisements so far.
Trump can first sue his lawyers against the subpoena. And even if Trump were to heed the request, he could refuse to testify, such as not to incriminate himself. Several of his confidential advisers had made use of this right when questioned by the committee.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
