Over the weekend, President Trump took a bold stance, suggesting that members of the January 6 Committee, particularly former Rep. Liz Cheney, should be jailed for allegedly destroying 117 files related to their investigation. Trump’s statement has ignited a firestorm, with Cheney dismissing the accusation as “ridiculous” and doubling down on her criticism of Trump.
In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump accused Cheney and committee chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson of deleting evidence that could have exonerated him. “Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,” Trump said. “They deleted and destroyed all evidence. And Cheney was behind it… For what they did, honestly, they should go to jail.”
President Trump says that Liz Cheney, Benny Thompson and everybody that was on the J6 Committee should go to jail 👀
“For what they did, honestly, they should go to jail.”
I can smell the panic from here and it’s amazing. pic.twitter.com/dtAQN2tjDn
— TheStormHasArrived (@TheStormRedux) December 8, 2024
This claim comes after Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who is leading the oversight investigation into the January 6 Committee, revealed that forensic investigators found 117 missing or encrypted files. Loudermilk stated, “It’s obvious that [the J6 committee] went to great lengths to prevent Americans from seeing certain documents produced in their investigation.” He further accused Cheney and Thompson of obstructing his subcommittee by failing to preserve evidence, violating House rules.
Cheney, who has become a hero to the left after her participation in the partisan committee, responded aggressively. “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of Congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic,” she said. She called the January 6 protests “the worst breach of our Constitution by any president in our nation’s history.”
ICYMI — Liz Cheney responds to Trump telling MTP she and the 1/6 committee should be in jail: “It was the worst breach of our constitution by any President in 🇺🇸 history… this is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our Republic.” pic.twitter.com/3q9LSnUziF
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) December 9, 2024
However, Cheney’s denial hasn’t convinced many conservatives who have long questioned the integrity and motivations of the January 6 Committee. The accusations of destroyed evidence, if proven true, could represent a serious breach of congressional rules and potential obstruction of justice. Given the partisan nature of the committee and its conclusion that Trump should be criminally prosecuted, these revelations are highly significant.
Critics argue that Cheney and her allies were never interested in a fair investigation. Instead, they claim the committee’s goal was to damage Trump politically, which makes the alleged destruction of exculpatory evidence all the more damning. Trump’s call for accountability resonates with those who believe the committee overstepped its bounds and weaponized its powers for political gain.
With Trump’s return to the White House imminent, questions about the legitimacy of the January 6 Committee’s actions are unlikely to go away. Whether or not Cheney and her colleagues will face legal consequences remains to be seen, but the demand for transparency and accountability continues to grow.