GOP Split Delays New Jan. 6 Investigation

A new Republican-led probe into the January 6 Capitol attack is on hold due to internal disagreements between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Barry Loudermilk. Johnson wants a tightly controlled investigation that avoids revisiting the roles of figures like Liz Cheney, while Loudermilk insists on a broader effort—including a review of the original January 6 committee’s work.

Loudermilk, chosen by former Speaker McCarthy to lead the effort, says he must have full independence and resources to report findings directly to the public. He wants to investigate security failures and actions taken by Democrats during the original probe, even suggesting Cheney face an FBI investigation.

Johnson, meanwhile, is considering forming a new select committee where he would control appointments and messaging—likely reducing scrutiny of former President Trump.

Amid these political maneuvers, President Biden added fuel to the fire by issuing preemptive pardons to several figures, including Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. The pardons aim to shield them from potential GOP retaliation, drawing both praise and backlash.

Bottom line: The GOP is divided on how far to take its Jan. 6 investigation—whether to protect Trump or confront deeper institutional issues.