Last Updated on January 28, 2025

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire for covering up sexually explicit texts sent by lawmakers to former White House staffer, Cassidy Hutchinson.

Hutchinson became a key figure in the anti-Trump narrative of events surrounding J6 when she provided incredulous testimony during a 2022 hearing.  According to Hutchinson President Trump wanted an armed mob to march to the Capitol and even wished to join them there.

“The president said something to the effect of, ‘I’m the effing president, take me up to the Capitol now,’” Hutchinson said: claiming that Trump tried to grab the steering wheel in a desire to lead the mob that day. According to Hutchinson’s testimony, President Trump only relented when his head of security, Robert Engel, grabbed the President’s arm saying, “sir, you need to take your hand off the steering wheel. We’re going back to the West Wing. We’re not going to the Capitol.” Both Engel and the driver of the vehicle denied Hutchinson’s claims.

A senior aide to House Speaker Mike Johnson advised Republican colleagues against subpoenaing Hutchinson in connection with their investigation into January 6.  This request, from Johnson, was driven by fears that issuing a subpoena could lead to public disclosure of sexually explicit text messages between lawmakers and Hutchinson, according to a story released by The Washington Post, and corroborated by other sources.

This effort took place last June when Johnson, who had been contemplating a subpoena for Hutchinson, was warned by his aide about the potential fallout from such a move. The aide argued that releasing these private texts could expose embarrassing and compromising details about the lawmakers involved.  These details included “sexual texts from members who were trying to engage in sexual favors” with Hutchinson, according to sources.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Georgia), who has been a prominent figure in the Republican-led inquiry into January 6, was considering issuing a subpoena for Hutchinson’s testimony. However, following the June meeting, Johnson and his senior aides communicated to Loudermilk and his team that calling Hutchinson to testify under oath would likely implicate top officials for sexual impropriety.

Loudermilk, who previously led the GOP’s investigation into J6 during the last Congress, has been pushing for a continuation of that probe. He was appointed this week by Johnson to chair a newly formed select subcommittee that will focus on the investigation into January 6.

Loudermilk’s has consistently called for Hutchinson’s testimony, as it could provide important information about Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), and her role in orchestrating Hutchinson’s dramatic testimony in 2022.

“Ms. Hutchinson has testified truthfully and stands behind every word despite the efforts of men in powerful positions to attack her,” said Hutchinson’s lawyer, Bill Jordan.

Although media outlets covering the story have reviewed reports documenting concerns raised by Johnson staffers, the sexually explicit texts have not been publicly released. It remains unclear who sent them or what Hutchinson’s role may have been in encouraging, rebuffing, or responding to the sexually explicit text messages.

It is likely that more details surrounding the Hutchinson text messages will emerge as Loudermilk told reporters on inauguration that the investigation will continue.  Loudermilk stated that President Trump asked him to “continue the investigation and continue to expose the truth.”