House holds Mark Meadows in contempt

“We are helpless,” a journalist locked inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 texted Mark Meadows, then President Donald Trump’s chief of staff. The text is one of dozens lawmakers, media, and members of the president’s inner circle sent urging the president to condemn the riot that took place as Congress met to certify the 2020 presidential election results. The House panel investigating the events unanimously voted to recommend contempt charges against Meadows on Monday. He provided the texts and personal documents but then stopped cooperating with the committee. His lawyer said he should not be required to testify when Trump has invoked executive privilege, a claim currently in litigation. The House voted 222-208 to refer contempt charges to the Justice Department, which will decide whether to prosecute. 

What do the texts say? Donald Trump Jr. texted Meadows, “We need an Oval address. … It has gone too far and gotten out of hand.” Meadows responded, “I’m pushing it hard. I agree.” Fox News host Laura Ingraham messaged, “He is destroying his legacy.” Members of Congress notified Meadows about broken windows, rushing rioters, and armed standoffs inside the chambers.

Dig deeper: Read my report in The Stew about questions of executive privilege during the Jan. 6 committee investigation.