DOJ Probes Jan. 6 Witness Cassidy Hutchinson After Congressional Referral

Civil Rights Division assigned to examine allegations related to prior congressional testimony.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with a lone desk and chair, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The DOJ's probe into a key January 6th witness raises new questions about the reliability of congressional testimony on the Capitol attack.Washington Today

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide who testified before the House committee examining the events of January 6, 2021. The inquiry, led by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, began after a referral from a Trump ally in Congress alleging that Hutchinson provided false testimony during her appearance before the House panel.

Why it matters

Hutchinson's televised testimony in June 2022 provided key details about President Trump's actions and state of mind on January 6th. The DOJ's unusual decision to assign the matter to the Civil Rights Division has raised questions about the scope and intent of the investigation, as federal authorities continue to scrutinize witness statements from the congressional probes.

The details

According to reporting, the Justice Department assigned the matter to the Civil Rights Division, a move described as unusual because the unit typically handles cases involving systemic civil rights violations such as police misconduct and discrimination. Hutchinson, now 29, testified that Trump had encouraged supporters to march to the Capitol and was aware of potential risks of violence. She also recounted a secondhand account involving then-Secret Service Assistant Director Tony Ornato, stating that Ornato told her Trump became upset when he was informed he would be returning to the White House rather than traveling to the Capitol.

  • Hutchinson delivered televised testimony in June 2022.
  • The DOJ investigation began after a referral from a Trump ally in Congress in 2026.

The players

Cassidy Hutchinson

A former White House aide who testified before the House committee examining the events of January 6, 2021.

Harmeet Dhillon

Assistant Attorney General leading the DOJ's investigation through the Civil Rights Division.

Tony Ornato

Former Secret Service Assistant Director who Hutchinson claimed told her about Trump's actions on January 6th.

Barry Loudermilk

Republican Congressman leading a House oversight subcommittee that cited testimony conflicting with Hutchinson's account.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm the f*cking president! Take me up to the Capitol now!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the scope of the investigation or whether any charges are being considered. Hutchinson has not publicly responded to the reported inquiry.

The takeaway

The DOJ's investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding evidence presented during congressional probes into the January 6th events, as federal authorities review allegations related to witness statements.