Ex-Pentagon chief says Trump never called on Jan 6

"No, I had all the authority I needed from the president to fulfill my constitutional duties, " Miller said.

"Did you speak with President Trump at all as the attack was unfolding?" Democratic lawmaker Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House of Representatives Oversight Committee, asked at the start of a hearing examining the security failures.

"No, I did not. I didn't need to, I had all the authority I needed and I knew what had to happen," Miller said.

Miller went on to say that he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence.