DOJ Civil Rights Division Opens Probe Into Cassidy Hutchinson Over Jan. 6 Testimony

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, the former top aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, over potential false statements made during her high-profile testimony before the January 6 Select Committee.

The probe, confirmed by multiple sources on April 7, 2026, focuses on whether Hutchinson knowingly provided false testimony to Congress, particularly her dramatic claim that President Trump “lunged” at a Secret Service agent and tried to grab the steering wheel of the presidential SUV on January 6, 2021.

Background of Hutchinson’s Testimony

On June 28, 2022, Hutchinson delivered one of the most memorable public testimonies of the January 6 hearings. In a nationally televised appearance, she alleged that during the ride back to the White House after Trump’s speech at the Ellipse, the president became enraged when informed he could not go to the Capitol. According to Hutchinson, Trump lunged forward from the back seat, grabbed the steering wheel, and reached for the neck of Secret Service agent Bobby Engel, saying something to the effect of “I’m the f***ing president, take me to the Capitol.”

Her account was presented as firsthand knowledge passed to her by then-White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Anthony Ornato.

Contradictions from Other Witnesses

Hutchinson’s testimony was quickly challenged by multiple Secret Service agents who were present in the vehicle or directly involved.

• Anthony Ornato, the source Hutchinson cited, testified under oath that he never told her the steering wheel story and that the incident did not happen as she described.
• Bobby Engel, the driver of the presidential limousine, and other agents in the motorcade also testified that Trump never lunged at the steering wheel or physically assaulted any Secret Service member.
• In closed-door depositions and later public testimony, agents stated the presidential SUV was already moving toward the White House and that Trump expressed frustration verbally but did not attempt to seize control of the vehicle.

These contradictions were later corroborated in reports by the House Administration Committee and in testimony during related legal proceedings. Critics have argued that Hutchinson’s account was amplified by the January 6 Committee despite internal awareness of conflicting testimony.

Current DOJ Investigation

The Civil Rights Division’s probe is examining whether Hutchinson’s statements constituted false testimony or obstruction of Congress. Sources say investigators are reviewing transcripts, contemporaneous notes, and interviews with Secret Service personnel to determine if there was deliberate misrepresentation.

Hutchinson has not publicly commented on the new investigation. Her attorney previously defended her testimony as truthful based on the information available to her at the time.

The development is the latest chapter in the long-running controversy surrounding the January 6 Select Committee’s handling of witness testimony and evidence. Several Republicans have described the new probe as part of a broader effort to address perceived politicization of federal investigations.

This remains an ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed.