Lawmakers Texted Star Jan. 6 Witness About ‘Sexual Favors’: Report

In June 2023, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) considered subpoenaing former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson as part of the GOP’s effort to counter the Jan. 6 committee’s findings. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) blocked the move, citing concerns about reigniting the controversy sparked by Hutchinson’s 2022 testimony. A report by The Washington Post revealed that Johnson’s office was also worried about exposing embarrassing scandals, including alleged sexually explicit messages sent to Hutchinson by lawmakers seeking sexual favors, reports RollingStone.com.

Hutchinson, a former aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, delivered bombshell testimony in June 2022 about the events of Jan. 6, 2021. She described conversations where Meadows anticipated violence, Trump’s attempts to loosen security during his rally, his anger when denied a trip to the Capitol, and his dismissive reaction to rioters calling for Vice President Mike Pence’s execution. These revelations highlighted Trump and his staff’s mindset during the Capitol attack, making Hutchinson a key target for Republican efforts to discredit the Jan. 6 committee’s work.

Loudermilk, leading a GOP subcommittee to produce a counter-report, accused Hutchinson of providing false testimony and alleged improper influence from Jan. 6 Committee Chair Liz Cheney. Despite his threats to subpoena Hutchinson’s communications, no subpoena was issued. Johnson recently authorized a new subcommittee, chaired by Loudermilk, to investigate both the Capitol riot and the original Jan. 6 committee’s work, aligning with Trump’s calls for political retaliation against committee members.