Oct 14, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Trump declines to say if he’ll testify in letter to Jan. 6 panel

Former President Donald Trump, wearing a blue suit and white shirt with no tie, speaks at the podium at a rally in Arizona.

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images.

Former President Trump on Friday issued what he characterized as his official response to the Jan. 6 select committee after the panel voted to subpoena him — but didn't say if he'll testify.

Driving the news: In the 14-page letter addressed to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chair of the committee, Trump rehashed a multitude of critiques he and his Republican allies have previously lodged against the panel.

  • After an 8-page appendix laying out unfounded claims of fraud in the 2020 election, he wrote: "At your request, I will present these additional numbers to you."

It's not clear whether the panel has even issued its subpoena of Trump yet, making the reply potentially premature.

  • Thompson said Thursday that the subpoena would be issued "as soon as we get the paperwork."
  • He also told Axios that the panel has not had prior communications with Trump's legal team — aside from the ex-president's litigation to shield White House records.
  • Spokespeople for the Jan. 6 committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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