Updated Nov 1, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Judge dismisses Meadows lawsuit challenging Jan. 6 panel subpoenas

Rebecca Falconer

Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff, arrives during the America First Policy Institute's America First Agenda summit in Washington, D.C., US, on Monday, July 25, 2022. — Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff, at the America First Policy Institute's America First Agenda summit in Washington, D.C., in July. Photor: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A federal judge dismissed former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows' lawsuit on Monday night that sought to nullify two subpoenas from the House select committee investigating the U.S. Capitol riot.

Why it matters: U.S. District Carl Nichols' ruling that the Constitution's "speech or debate" clause protects Congress members conducting legislative work from civil lawsuits" could impact other lawsuits from Trump allies challenging subpoenas issued over the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

The big picture: Meadows is believed to have information on former President Trump's role in efforts to stop the certification of President Biden's election win. He initially cooperated with the panel before backing out.

He cited in his lawsuit against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and all nine members of the Jan. 6 select panel Trump's claims of executive privilege.
However, Nichols wrote in the ruling in the District of Columbia, which Meadows could appeal: "The record makes clear that the challenged subpoenas are protected legislative acts."

What they're saying: "We will review the decision carefully and consider any further steps that may be appropriate," Meadows' attorney George Terwilliger told Politico.

What we're watching: Republicans are expected to disband the Jan. 6 panel if they gain control of the House in next week's midterm elections.

Several key GOP members have threatened to subpoena records of the Jan. 6 committee if Republicans do retake the majority.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with further context.

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Judge dismisses Meadows lawsuit challenging Jan. 6 panel subpoenas

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