A Republican Rift Over the January
GOP Rift Deepens Over January 6 Investigation
Internal tensions in the Republican Party are growing over how to revisit the January 6 Capitol riot. Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Barry Loudermilk agree that the previous Democratic-led probe was politically biased—but they differ sharply on what should come next.
Loudermilk wants a broad, independent investigation that includes failures in Capitol security and leadership, as well as an evaluation of the original committee. “The goal is to make sure the whole truth is revealed,” he said, “including the shortcomings of Capitol security and the integrity of the previous committee’s actions.” Johnson, however, favors a more narrowly focused inquiry that avoids criticism of Republican figures like Trump and Liz Cheney.
Rewriting the Narrative
This isn’t just a procedural disagreement—it’s about how Republicans want the public to remember January 6. The original bipartisan committee examined Trump’s role in the riot and attempts to overturn the election. Many Republicans saw it as a partisan attack. Now in control, the GOP aims to steer the narrative differently.
Loudermilk has even suggested investigating Cheney, arguing her actions on the committee were politically motivated. Johnson, wary of stoking division ahead of the 2024 election, may see such moves as too extreme.
Biden’s Pardons Spark Outrage
President Biden escalated tensions by issuing rare preemptive pardons to figures like Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Supporters called it a defense of democracy. Critics slammed it as politically motivated. “It’s a dangerous precedent,” warned one Republican strategist.
