Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson has confirmed she is under a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal investigation. This development was revealed in a federal court filing dated September 24. The filing addressed Hutchinson’s opposition to a subpoena from the BBC, which aimed to question her under oath for President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster.
Hutchinson asserted that the DOJ is investigating her, citing her intention to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights if compelled to testify. Newsweek attempted to reach Hutchinson’s attorney for comments via email on Tuesday.
DOJ Investigation Details
The court filing did not reveal specifics about the DOJ’s investigation concerning Hutchinson. Nonetheless, the New York Times reported in April that the probe followed her Congressional testimony regarding Trump’s actions and awareness during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. This investigation was triggered after a Trump ally in Congress accused her of perjury. Hutchinson’s testimony received significant criticism from Trump and supporters.
As an aide to Trump’s former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, Hutchinson gave noteworthy testimony to the House January 6 committee in June 2022. Her testimony highlighted Trump’s indifference when informed some supporters were armed, allegedly saying they were “not here to hurt me.” She also described an irate Trump trying to commandeer his limousine’s steering wheel, a claim later contradicted by Trump’s driver in subsequent testimony.
Political Context
The investigation is part of a wider initiative by the Trump administration targeting perceived political opponents through the DOJ. This includes actions against individuals like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Judge Blocks BBC’s Subpoena
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz nullified the BBC’s subpoena for Hutchinson’s deposition on September 24. He cited her status as an active subject of DOJ investigation as a primary reason. Hutchinson’s defense noted her previous 30 hours of sworn testimony to Congress as an additional reason to oppose the subpoena.
Her attorneys argued the BBC was attempting to exceed the scope of the defamation lawsuit’s core issues, a stance also taken by Trump’s lawyers. Judge Kuntz concurred, advising the BBC against turning its investigation into a “fishing expedition.” He highlighted the existing testimony’s minimal relevance to the documentary’s alleged false portrayal of Trump in relation to the Capitol riot.
While the BBC contended Hutchinson’s insights were vital for understanding Trump and his advisors’ mindset on January 6, the judge allowed for potential future subpoenas. Such requests would need to detail new developments since the ruling.
For more information, readers can reach Newsweek editors Matthew Cannon and Dave Siminoff.
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