(ProsperNews.net) – Former Rep. Liz Cheney responded sharply to President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of the January 6 Committee, including herself, should face jail time. Trump accused the committee of “deleting and destroying” evidence during its investigation into the Capitol breach, a claim Cheney called “ridiculous and false.”
“Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of Congress who investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law,” Cheney said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
The exchange follows Trump’s comments during a pre-recorded interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he labeled Cheney, committee chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, and others as “political thugs” who engaged in misconduct during the investigation.
“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee,” Trump said. “They deleted and destroyed all evidence.”
Cheney dismissed the claims, citing a July 2023 letter from Thompson to Rep. Barry Loudermilk. The letter addressed allegations about record-keeping, stating that the committee followed federal guidelines for archiving sensitive material to protect witness safety, national security, and ongoing law enforcement operations.
“Donald Trump knows his claims about the select committee are ridiculous and false,” Cheney said, emphasizing that the committee’s investigation was thorough and transparent.
The January 6 Committee, established in July 2021, investigated the Capitol breach by Trump supporters attempting to block the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory. Its 18-month investigation concluded with criminal referrals recommending prosecution of Trump for his role in inciting the riot.
House Republicans, who gained control in 2023, later released a report accusing the committee of pushing a “political narrative” and hiring “Hollywood producers” to frame its findings. The GOP report also alleged that records were improperly deleted, a claim Cheney and Thompson have vehemently denied.
Cheney called January 6 “the worst breach of our Constitution by any president in our nation’s history” and accused Trump of continuing to undermine the rule of law.
Despite their history of sharp opposition, Cheney’s criticism of Trump comes as he gains momentum ahead of the 2024 election, adding fresh fuel to their ongoing political feud.
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