Cheney reads alleged Jan. 6 texts to Mark Meadows from Fox News hosts, Trump Jr.

During a meeting of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., read text messages allegedly to former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows from Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity and Brian Kilmeade, as well as from Donald Trump Jr., on the day of the insurrection.

Video Transcript

LIZ CHENEY: According to the records, multiple Fox News hosts knew the president needed to act immediately. They texted Mr. Meadows. And he has turned over those texts. Quote, "Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home. This is hurting all of us. He is destroying his legacy," Laura Ingraham wrote. "Please, get him on TV destroying everything you have accomplished," Brian Kilmeade texted. Quote, "can he make a statement? Ask people to leave the Capitol," Sean Hannity urged.

As the violence continued, one of the president's sons texted Mr. Meadows quote, "he's got to condemn this shit ASAP. The Capitol Police tweet is not enough." Donald Trump Jr. Texted. Meadows responded quote, "I'm pushing it hard. I agree." Still, President Trump did not immediately act. Donald Trump Jr texted again and again urging action by the president quote, "we need an Oval Office address. He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand." End quote.

But hours passed without necessary action by the president. These non-privileged texts are further evidence of President Trump's supreme dereliction of duty during those 187 minutes. And Mr. Meadows' testimony will bear on another key question before this committee. Did Donald Trump through action or inaction corruptly seek to obstruct or impede Congress's official proceedings to count electoral votes?