Members of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack have long emphasized the importance of taking former President Donald Trump’s words seriously.
As Trump emerges as a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, and his rhetoric takes on an increasingly authoritarian tone, these lawmakers are finding themselves heeding their own advice.
Trump’s recent statements, such as suggesting that committee members should be jailed and expressing intentions to act as a dictator, have raised concerns among lawmakers like Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Adam B. Schiff. Lofgren acknowledges the possibility of being targeted by Trump’s retribution, while Schiff is actively discussing safety measures with his staff.
Donald Trump (Credits: CNBC)
The bipartisan committee, including Lofgren and Schiff, conducted an extensive investigation into the Jan. 6 attack, establishing a narrative that implicated Trump in attempts to overturn the election results. However, delays in Trump’s criminal trials, exacerbated by legal proceedings and Supreme Court interventions, may push potential convictions past the next election.
Schiff criticizes the Justice Department’s sluggish response in focusing on Trump’s role, contrasting it with the committee’s proactive approach. He believes that voters deserve timely accountability, suggesting that the Justice Department’s reluctance to engage more swiftly may have hindered progress.
Former Rep. Liz Cheney characterizes Trump’s legal maneuvers as delaying tactics, underscoring the urgency of holding him accountable before the next election. Despite the setbacks, some, like Rep. Jamie Raskin, remain hopeful that one of the election obstruction cases might conclude before the election.
Former President Donald Trump (Credits: BBC)
Meanwhile, House Republicans are pursuing a separate probe into the causes of the Jan. 6 insurrection, aiming to shift focus away from Trump’s guilt. This new investigation questions the select committee’s narrative and alleges missing information that could exonerate Trump.
Trump’s continued rhetoric about locking up political opponents raises concerns among lawmakers like Rep. Peter Aguilar, who are preparing for the possibility of Trump acting on his threats if he regains power.
As the specter of Trump’s influence looms over the political landscape, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are changing the complications of ensuring accountability while safeguarding democratic norms.
