- New select subcommittee formed at Trump’s request to re-investigate Capitol riot probe
- GOP Rep. Loudermilk to lead with broader authority and White House backing
- Democrats call it a distraction from Jeffrey Epstein file release
US President Donald Trump has pressured House Republicans into launching a new investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, setting up a fresh select subcommittee to re-examine the Democrat-led probe that faulted him for fuelling the attack.
Eko Hot Blog reports that republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk confirmed that Trump personally summoned him to the White House in early June, demanding an update on the long-delayed investigation and pushing for a more aggressive approach.
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“I got called in by the president. We sat and talked for a while. And he was asking, ‘what is the stall?’” Loudermilk told CNN, adding that Trump expected the new probe to begin much earlier this year.
Sources close to the matter said House Speaker Mike Johnson was initially hesitant to give Loudermilk sweeping powers, citing concerns from moderate Republicans about the political optics. However, following Trump’s intervention, the speaker eventually agreed to grant Loudermilk his own select subcommittee with subpoena power.
The new panel, which will begin work in September when Congress resumes, is expected to focus less on Capitol security lapses and more on dismantling the findings of the previous January 6 committee. Loudermilk is also likely to scrutinise law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
“We have a friendly administration now who has already committed to work with us, to provide us whatever we’re looking for,” Loudermilk said, signalling the White House’s willingness to release files from the Department of Justice.
Loudermilk previously led a low-level inquiry into the work of the former Jan. 6 committee, producing a report that controversially suggested ex-GOP Rep. Liz Cheney be prosecuted. This time, he will have his own staff and the legal tools needed to compel testimony and evidence.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who say Republicans are trying to deflect attention from another hot-button issue: the bipartisan demand to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Loudermilk’s investigation is now into its third year and they have found absolutely nothing,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Democrat who chaired the original Jan. 6 committee. “Continuing it is not only pathetic, it sets our democracy back.”
Rep. Zoe Lofgren echoed that sentiment, saying, “It seems House Republicans are so desperate to talk about anything other than their Jeffrey Epstein coverup that they’re breaking out all the tired old hits.”
Despite the criticism, Speaker Johnson defended the move, stating, “There is clearly more work to be done.”
Democrats will be allowed to nominate up to three members to join the new subcommittee. Loudermilk says the new structure will enable him to move “a whole lot faster.”
