January 6 Committee Unanimously Votes to Subpoena Trump

The House January 6 committee voted unanimously to subpoena former President Donald Trump for testimony during a public hearing on Thursday. 

Key Quotes: Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the committee’s vote was held “in full view of the American people” because it was a “serious and extraordinary action.” Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who lost her primary election after Republicans criticized her role in the investigation, said the committee was “obligated to seek answers” from “Jan. 6’s central player,” adding, “every American is entitled to those answers so we can act now to protect our republic.” A Trump spokesman responded on Twitter, saying, “instead of using their final days in power to make life for Americans any better, Democrats are doubling and tripling down on their partisan theatrics.”

For Context: The committee’s subpoena is unlikely to result in testimony from Trump. The New York Times (Lean Left bias) called it “an aggressive move that will likely be futile,” and the New York Post (Lean Right bias) called it “a largely symbolic measure.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was widespread across the spectrum, but left-rated outlets were more likely to feature the story prominently. Most coverage said the subpoena was unlikely to succeed. Some coverage from the left called the Capitol riot an “insurrection” and an “attack.” A Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) headline said Cheney got her “revenge.”