Trump Skips the Capitol Probe: What Happens Next?
In a move that feels like a headline straight out of a dramatic movie, former President Donald Trump missed his court‑style appearance before the bipartisan House panel that’s digging into the January 6 attack. The committee, co‑led by Democratic Chair Bennie Thompson and Republican co‑Chair Liz Cheney, called out Trump’s absence after a subpoena slipped through his desk.
Why the Panel Chose to Go Public
The joint statement from Thompson and Cheney made no sudden apologies and chilled the air with plain truth: “Trump, along with several close allies, is hiding from the Select Committee’s probe and refusing to do what over a thousand other witnesses have done.” The committee hinted at possible next steps—contempt of Congress, for instance—and left the door open for whatever legal pathway makes sense.
The Legal Chessboard
- Subpoena June: Trump was ordered to hand over documents by Nov 4 and to be present for deposition around the same date.
- Extended Deadline: In a brief puzzle solve, the panel granted Trump an extension for the documents but kept the testimony date tight.
- Trump’s Counter‑Move: The former president filed a lawsuit on Friday, aiming to dodge the deposition and any required paperwork.
What Could Follow?
Channeling the drama, Thompson told The New York Times that a contempt charge is on the table, but nothing concrete is scheduled—“we’ll have to see,” he said. The plan is to first tackle the lawsuit, then decide the next move. It’s a strategy that keeps the front row in suspense.
Key Takeaway
While Republicans hope to dissolve the panel after mid‑term elections, the looming final act will decide if Trump gets to play once more in the congressional courtroom, or if he faces legal consequences for sidestepping the inquiry.
