Liz Cheney, the former representative from Wyoming (R), is accused of unethical behavior after it was revealed she had private communications using an encrypted messaging application with a key investigator in the investigation on Jan. 6.
The legislator, who is a fervent critic of the former president Donald Trump, was a key player in the proceedings.
According to Just the News, Cheney exchanged messages in June 2022 with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide. The investigation was in full swing. Signal, a messaging app, is thought to have been used as a backchannel by Cheney and Hutchinson in June 2022, when the investigation was still underway.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-GA, chairman of the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee brought these allegations to light.
Loudermilk said to Just the News the communications indicated that Cheney had disregarded her ethical obligations and could have influenced a testimony outside the presence of her attorney, ultimately causing Hutchinson’s switch in lawyers.
Loudermilk stated, “Our investigation has revealed unethical communications in the back channel between Cassidy Hutchinson and former Rep. Liz Cheney just before Hutchinson altered her sworn statement.” Not only is it unethical to communicate with a witness absent their attorney, but it also undermines the integrity and objectivity of an investigation.
He added that “as a licensed lawyer, Liz Cheney knew the ethical and legal concerns with this communication.” “Cheney did not want Stefan Passantino to represent Hutchinson. Shortly after Cheney began corresponding with Hutchinson, Cheney convinced Hutchinson that Passantino should be fired and arranged for another attorney to represent Hutchinson on a pro bono basis. ”
Loudermilk’s investigators heightened his concerns when they obtained communications between Griffin Hutchinson indicating Cheney knew her contact with an alleged witness who was represented by counsel could be problematic months before the incident occurred.
Liz was the first person I contacted. She was happy to keep the conversation confidential. Griffin sent Hutchinson a Signal message on April 28, saying, “She said she admires and could tell from your testimony that you were doing the right thing.”
According to the report, Cheney and Hutchinson started communicating on 6 June 2022. Hutchinson’s attorney Stefan Passantino expressed concern about the exchanges. He told Just the News that he had “absolutely no knowledge” at the time of the exchanges between Congresswoman Liz Cheney and his client.
“I’m shocked that these smoking gun documents are still available and have been made public. I am examining the additional remedies that may be available for me, in light of Chairman Loudermilk’s remarkable investigation work,” he said.
The report indicates that Cheney may have convinced Hutchinson at some point to change lawyers during their communication. After the exchanges, Passantino was fired and a new lawyer was sought. Cheney is thought to have facilitated the move by providing information on pro-bono attorneys or contact details.
Washington D.C. Bar Association rules prohibit attorneys from communicating with a client represented by another lawyer about that representation without consent. Cheney is licensed as a lawyer, which indicates a violation of the ethical standards.
Hutchinson’s testimony has been questioned, especially for her wild statements about Trump. She claimed that at one point she was told he had lunged on the steering wheel of the limo used to transport him away from the Ellipse where he delivered his speech to direct the driver so he could take him to Capitol on January 6.
Cheney may not be subject to the rules of the bar association. She has campaigned for Kamala in support of Vice President Kamala.
