The Jan. 6 select committee unanimously voted in favor of subpoenaing former President Donald Trump during its Thursday hearing as part of its investigation into the riot at the Capitol.
Members of the panel have long weighed whether to call the former president directly to appear before the committee, with lawmakers noting that it is unlikely he would comply. While the committee has called for senior members of the Trump administration and campaign team, as well as members of his family, to testify, subpoenaing a former president would be a marked escalation for the congressional panel.
Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) argued that hearing directly from the former president would provide critical insight, saying members feel he holds responsibility for the deadly riot.
“He tried to take away the voice of the American people in choosing their president and replace the will of the voters with his will to remain in power. He is the one person at the center of the story of what happened on Jan. 6, so we want to hear from him,” Thompson said.
“We also recognize that a subpoena to a former president is a serious and extraordinary action. That’s why we want to take this step in full view of the American people,” he added.
Vice Chairwoman Liz Cheney (R-WY) echoed Thompson’s sentiments, adding that she feels the panel is “obligated to seek answers” from Trump.
“Our duty today is to our country, and our children, and our Constitution. We are obligated to seek answers directly from the man who set this all in motion,” she said.
TULSI GABBARD TO CAMPAIGN FOR DON BOLDUC FOLLOWING PARTY CHANGE
The move would come just over a year after the select committee launched its investigation, with Thursday’s hearing placing a broad overview on Trump’s role in the riot and his actions leading up to the siege at the Capitol.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Indefensible conduct is defended. Inexcusable conduct is excused. Without accountability, it all becomes normal, and it will recur,” Cheney said.
The hearing, which marked the final public event ahead of the midterm elections, provided a broader view of Trump’s actions and the events in the lead-up to the breach of the Capitol than previous hearings.
Cheney said that the committee has “sufficient information to consider criminal referrals for multiple individuals” as a result of its investigation.
It’s unclear whether Trump will comply with the subpoena.
NBC News reported the news that the subpoena vote would take place.
