The NPR Politics Podcast Jan. 6 "Ringleader": Lawmakers Advise Criminal Charges For Trump
Dec 19, 2022
Lawmakers are pushing for four criminal charges against a former president over the January 6th Capitol attack. They emphasize that true justice should hold ringleaders accountable, not just the foot soldiers. The discussion dives into the historical context of insurrection and what the Justice Department might do next. The committee reflects on its achievements, challenges, and the impact of testimonies, while also examining potential reforms to prevent future crises in democracy.
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Trump's Criminal Referrals
- The January 6th committee referred criminal charges against former President Trump to the Department of Justice.
- These include obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to make a false statement, and inciting an insurrection.
Weight of Insurrection Charge
- The insurrection charge against Trump is historically significant, potentially the first since the Civil War era.
- The Justice Department's decision on pursuing these charges remains uncertain.
DOJ Independence
- Congress cannot compel the DOJ to act on the referrals; the decision rests solely with the DOJ.
- The DOJ has prioritized receiving interview transcripts from the committee over the referrals themselves.