Jim Jordan Calls January 6 Attack 'Democrat Obsession' and Says He Won't Testify
Ohio congressman Jim Jordan has said he won't voluntarily cooperate with the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, describing the "Democrat obsession" as the latest of the "partisan witch hunts."
The Republican, who represents Ohio's 4th congressional district, wrote in a letter to committee chair rep. Bennie Thompson that the inquiry into the January 6 riot amounts to an "unprecedented and inappropriate demand to examine the basis for a colleague's decision on a particular matter pending" before the House of Representatives.
"This request is far outside the bounds of any legitimate inquiry, violates core Constitutional principles, and would serve to further erode legislative norms," he added.
Jordan, one of Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress, was asked to provide information for the committee's investigation over claims he spoke with the former president on January 6.
As noted by the Associated Press, Jordan previously admitted to speaking with Trump on January 6 during a hearing on a motion to hold former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon in contempt for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena for the inquiry in October.
"Of course, I talked to the president," Jordan said in response to questioning from the panel's chairman, Rep. Jim McGovern. "I talked to him that day. I've been clear about that. I don't recall the number of times, but it's not about me. I know you want to make it about that."
Jordan is also believed to have information about meetings with White House officials and Trump that took place between November and early January 2021 regarding "strategies for overturning the results" of the 2020 election.
"As you well know, I have no relevant information that would assist the Select Committee in advancing any legitimate legislative purpose," Jordan wrote in his letter to Thompson.
"I have nothing to add to the bipartisan, comprehensive findings of the Senate investigative committees or to those issued by federal inspectors general."
Information From Democrat Figures
Jordan then asked why the committee isn't seeking information about the January 6 attack from Democrat figures, while once again suggesting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should be scrutinized.
A number of GOP figures have frequently used a tactic of blaming Pelosi rather than Trump for the January 6 riot by claiming she was responsible for arranging security at the Capitol that day.
"This double standard confirms our suspicion that Democrats are using the Select Committee as a partisan cudgel against their political adversaries and not to advance any legitimate legislative purpose," Jordan said.
"Even if I had information to share with the Select Committee, the actions and statements of Democrats in the House of Representatives show that you are not conducting a fair-minded and objective inquiry."
It's unclear if the committee will subpoena Jordan in an attempt to get him to testify.
Thompson has been contacted for comment.
