Johnson, Republicans Reveal New Developments in January 6 Probe
House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican heading the ongoing investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot are at odds over the direction of the inquiry.
Three individuals with direct knowledge of the internal discussions revealed that Johnson wants to scale back the investigation initiated by the previous January 6 committee and end any further probing, including investigations involving former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney.
However, other Republican leaders, including Rep. Barry Loudermilk—appointed to lead the current investigation—favor a broader scope. Some White House officials back Loudermilk’s more expansive approach. As CNN has reported, former President Donald Trump previously told Johnson, ahead of his speakership, that continuing the investigation should be a top priority.
Due to these internal disagreements, Loudermilk’s select subcommittee, which Johnson introduced in January, has yet to begin its official work, according to the same sources.
“I told former Speaker Kevin McCarthy that I would accept the challenge under two conditions: I would have the autonomy and resources necessary to effectively pursue the facts without political bias or outside influence, and I would have the authority to report whatever we find to the American people,” Loudermilk said in a statement to CNN on Thursday. “McCarthy asked me to lead House Republicans’ investigation into the Capitol’s security failures on January 6, 2021, and Pelosi’s Select Committee. This, in my opinion, is still necessary in order to effectively seek the truth.”
Loudermilk’s focus has primarily been on critiquing the work of the former January 6 committee. The final report from House Republicans even suggested the FBI investigate Cheney’s involvement in the prior investigation into the Capitol attack.
Sources also noted that a narrower focus would limit the committee’s ability to review both the preparedness before the riot and future strategies to protect the Capitol.
Just last month, Loudermilk shared that Speaker Johnson had assured him the January 6 probe would become “formalized as a new committee.”
This move is part of a broader Republican strategy to continue various investigations launched during the last Congress, leveraging their current control over both chambers of Congress and the executive branch.
Although the specifics are still in flux, Loudermilk said one proposal for the new committee would give Johnson greater authority over member appointments and overall operations of the select panel.
By forming a new committee to spotlight Loudermilk’s work—which includes recommending that the FBI investigate Cheney—Republicans are keeping the January 6 narrative alive, reinforcing efforts to shield former President Trump from political consequences tied to the events of that day.
“It was so singularly focused that basically Trump created this entire problem,” Loudermilk said of the earlier January 6 select committee led by Adam Schiff and Liz Cheney. “When in reality, it was a multitude of failures at different levels.”
Johnson has emphasized that the renewed investigation will be “fully funded.”
CNN noted, “Continuing its investigation into the previous January 6 select committee – which featured Cheney as a vice chair and had another Republican member – and broader security response to the Capitol attack is not the only way Republicans plan to use their new majority to carry over their previous investigations that remain politically charged.”
In an effort to protect key individuals from possible retaliation by the incoming Trump administration, President Joe Biden recently issued a small batch of last-minute pardons. Among those granted clemency were former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci—a move White House aides describe as a preemptive step to avoid retribution.