The plot thickens for Cassidy Hutchinson. Four years after she became a household name for her testimony about the January 6 Capitol riot, the Department of Justice is lowkey weighing perjury and obstruction of justice charges against her.
The Breakdown
According to two sources familiar with the situation, the DOJ is scrutinizing Hutchinson’s testimony to the committee that investigated the riot. The feds are focusing on discrepancies between her accounts—specifically, claims that weren't corroborated by former special counsel Jack Smith or were outright denied by the Secret Service, including the alleged limo altercation.
They’re also looking closely at her claim that she wrote a notecard for Donald Trump during the riot, which Eric Herschmann says he actually authored. While prosecutors have been building this case for months, don't expect a grand jury move until after the midterms.
Is it a reach?
Real talk: winning a perjury case is notoriously hard. Prosecutors have to prove she not only lied but did so knowingly and in a way that materially shifted the investigation. Even inside the DOJ, some officials are skeptical about whether a criminal case will actually hold water.
The investigation kicked off after a criminal referral from Representative Barry Loudermilk. In a weird twist, the case landed in the Civil Rights Division—a department typically tasked with civil rights violations—rather than the usual Criminal Division. The division is currently led by Harmeet Dhillon.
Why it matters
This isn't just about one witness; it’s part of a broader trend of the DOJ pursuing cases against those seen as political enemies of the Trump administration. With the DOJ's internal skepticism and the high bar for perjury charges, it remains to be seen if this case has any real legs or if the vibes are just off.
