DOJ Investigates Former Trump Aide Amid Defamation Suit

Former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), as revealed in a new federal court filing. The September 24 court order outlined Hutchinson’s opposition to a BBC subpoena, which sought her testimony in Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster.

The court order stated Hutchinson’s intention to invoke her Fifth Amendment right if required to testify due to the DOJ investigation. Newsweek reached out to Hutchinson’s attorney for comment.

DOJ Investigation Details

The DOJ’s specific concerns in the Hutchinson investigation remain unspecified. The New York Times reported in April that the investigation related to Hutchinson’s Congressional testimony about Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol riot. A Trump ally accused her of lying, sparking the investigation.

Hutchinson, former aide to Mark Meadows, testified to the House January 6 committee in June 2022. Her testimony included claims of an unconcerned Trump regarding armed supporters, and an incident where Trump allegedly tried to grab the limousine’s steering wheel—later disputed by testimony.

The investigation coincides with broader Trump administration efforts to target perceived adversaries, such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Judge Warns against ‘Fishing Expedition’

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz quashed the BBC’s subpoena for Hutchinson’s deposition. He noted the DOJ’s investigation and her previous 30 hours of sworn testimony to Congress as reasons for avoiding further deposition.

Her attorneys argued that the BBC aimed to go beyond the narrow issues of Trump’s defamation case. Trump’s attorneys previously made similar arguments. Kuntz agreed, stating that Hutchinson’s current testimony was available and largely irrelevant to the specific lawsuit issue, relating to the documentary’s editing.

The BBC maintained Hutchinson’s testimony could be relevant for understanding Trump’s mindset on January 6 in defending their documentary. The judge left open the possibility for future subpoenas if circumstances change, requiring detailed explanations of any changes.