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At Trump''s insistence, GOP launches a new January 6 committee | CNN Politics

House Republicans Launch Sweeping New Investigation into January 6 Capitol Attack

Washington (CNN) — House Republicans, emboldened by their majority in the chamber, have officially launched a comprehensive new investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, framing it as an effort to uncover what they describe as "hidden truths" overlooked by previous inquiries. The move, announced on Friday, comes amid ongoing partisan divisions over the events of that day, which saw a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump storm the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.

The investigation is being spearheaded by the House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, with support from other key GOP figures including Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who heads the Judiciary Committee. In a joint statement, Comer and Jordan asserted that the previous bipartisan select committee, which operated during the Democratic-controlled House in 2021-2022, was "politically motivated" and failed to adequately examine potential failures by federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Capitol Police. "The American people deserve a full accounting of what really happened on January 6, without the bias and selective editing that plagued the last probe," Comer said during a press conference on Capitol Hill.

This new probe marks a significant escalation in Republican efforts to reframe the narrative around January 6, a day that resulted in five deaths, including that of a Capitol Police officer, and injuries to more than 140 law enforcement personnel. Over 1,200 individuals have been charged in connection with the riot, with hundreds already convicted or pleading guilty. Yet, Republicans argue that the focus has been disproportionately on Trump supporters while ignoring alleged lapses in security preparations and intelligence sharing among federal agencies.

At the heart of the GOP's inquiry is a push to subpoena documents and testimony related to the FBI's handling of pre-January 6 intelligence. Republicans point to reports that the FBI had received tips about potential violence but did not act aggressively enough to prevent it. They also plan to investigate the role of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in approving security measures, reviving claims that she bears responsibility for inadequate preparations. "Why weren't National Guard troops deployed sooner? Who made those decisions?" Jordan questioned rhetorically in an interview with CNN. These assertions echo long-standing conspiracy theories promoted by some conservative media outlets, though they have been repeatedly debunked by fact-checkers and official reports.

The investigation's scope is broad, encompassing not only the events of the day but also the broader context of the 2020 election and allegations of voter fraud that fueled the unrest. Republicans intend to hold public hearings, call witnesses, and release interim reports, potentially stretching into the next congressional session. Sources familiar with the planning told CNN that the committee aims to interview former Trump administration officials, including those from the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon, to explore delays in mobilizing federal resources.

Democrats have swiftly condemned the effort as a partisan stunt designed to whitewash Trump's role in inciting the mob. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York called it "a shameless attempt to rewrite history and distract from the real culprits." In a statement, Jeffries referenced the findings of the original January 6 committee, which concluded that Trump was "the central cause" of the attack through his repeated false claims of election fraud and his exhortations to supporters to "fight like hell." That committee's exhaustive report, released in December 2022, included over 1,000 pages of evidence, witness testimonies, and recommendations for preventing future insurrections.

Legal experts warn that this new investigation could further polarize an already divided nation, especially as it coincides with ongoing criminal cases against Trump related to January 6. Special Counsel Jack Smith has charged the former president with conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, among other counts. Trump has pleaded not guilty and continues to portray the prosecutions as politically motivated "witch hunts." The House GOP probe could provide fodder for Trump's defense, potentially by highlighting alternative narratives about the day's events.

Beyond the immediate political theater, the investigation raises questions about congressional oversight and the balance of power. Republicans control the House but not the Senate or the White House, limiting their ability to enforce subpoenas if witnesses resist. Past investigations, like the Benghazi probes during the Obama era, have shown how such efforts can drag on for years, costing millions in taxpayer dollars while yielding mixed results. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report estimated that the original January 6 committee spent approximately $15 million, a figure Republicans now cite as evidence of wasteful spending.

Supporters of the new probe argue it's essential for national healing and accountability. "We can't move forward as a country until we address the systemic failures that allowed January 6 to happen," said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a vocal proponent of the investigation. Greene and other hardline conservatives have pushed for the inquiry to include examinations of "antifa involvement" and "deep state" conspiracies, though mainstream Republicans have distanced themselves from such fringe theories.

Critics, including some within the GOP, worry that reopening old wounds could backfire. Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who co-chaired the original committee and was ousted from Republican leadership for her criticism of Trump, issued a statement warning that "this so-called investigation is nothing more than an effort to undermine the rule of law and excuse insurrection." Cheney, now a private citizen, has become a prominent voice against what she calls the "Big Lie" of election fraud.

The timing of the probe is notable, coming just months after the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump secured a second term, according to recent projections. With Republicans potentially gaining full control of Congress, the investigation could gain momentum, possibly leading to legislative reforms on election security or Capitol defenses. However, Democrats vow to fight back, with plans to introduce counter-resolutions and hold their own briefings to highlight the original committee's findings.

Public opinion on January 6 remains deeply split along partisan lines. A recent CNN poll showed that 65% of Republicans believe the attack was not an insurrection, compared to just 10% of Democrats. This divide underscores the challenges of achieving consensus on such a pivotal event in American history.

As the investigation unfolds, it promises to reignite debates over democracy, accountability, and the future of political discourse in the United States. Witnesses are expected to be called as early as next month, with hearings potentially broadcast live, ensuring that January 6 remains a flashpoint in the national conversation. Whether this probe uncovers new information or merely amplifies existing divisions, its impact on the political landscape could be profound, influencing everything from midterm elections to the ongoing legacy of the Trump era.

In interviews with survivors of the attack, including Capitol Police officers, many expressed frustration at the prospect of reliving the trauma. "We've already testified, we've already shared our stories," said one anonymous officer. "This feels like politics over people." Meanwhile, families of those who lost loved ones on January 6 have mixed reactions; some welcome further scrutiny of security failures, while others see it as an insult to the memory of the fallen.

The GOP's push also intersects with broader efforts to reform how Congress investigates itself. Proposals include creating an independent commission similar to the 9/11 Commission, but partisan gridlock has stalled such ideas. For now, the House Republicans are forging ahead unilaterally, betting that their narrative will resonate with their base.

As America grapples with the aftermath of January 6, this new chapter serves as a reminder of how unresolved grievances can perpetuate cycles of distrust. The investigation's ultimate findings, whatever they may be, will likely shape historical interpretations for generations to come, testing the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of unrelenting partisanship.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/politics/house-gop-january-6-investigation ]