Trump’s former aides must testify in Jan 6 probe: appeals court

The ruling, determined by a panel of three judges, is sure to have consequences, including requiring former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and other top aides from Trump’s presidency to testify. This is just the latest in a whirlwind of accusations and investigations surrounding the former president.

The Daily Mail reported that a federal grand jury is apparently probing into the 2020 election overturn effort by Trump and a few of his allies, with Special Counsel Jack Smith quickly pushing through a series of investigatory actions.

The recent sealed ruling will give investigators access to some of the most informed people during Trump’s time in the White House.

A three-judge panel reportedly received a response from the Justice Department just two hours within the Trump filing, which was made early Tuesday. It is possible that Trump’s team could seek to appeal based on executive privilege claims, per the Daily Mail.

Trump’s team had also sought out Chief Judge James Boasberg in an effort for an emergency stay, given that the testimony could happen soon.

There are a number of individuals who have been ordered to testify, including former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, Dan Scavino, former deputy chief of staff, and former adviser Stephen Miller.

The report also noted that former Department of Homeland Security official Ken Cuccinelli and aides Nick Luna and John McEntee will likely have to testify if nothing else changes.

CBS News reported that though some of the former president’s aides have gone along with the subpoenas given to them by Smith’s office, none of them have yet testified about their conversations and interactions with the former president, noting possible executive privilege concerns.