Former President Donald Trump is suing the House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to quash a subpoena compelling him to appear.
In a statement outlining Trump’s intentions, his attorney David A. Warrington stated, “Long-held history and practice suggest that separation of powers forbids Congress from requiring a President to speak before it.”
He stated that the former president “engaged with the Committee in a good faith effort to resolve these concerns consistent with Executive Branch prerogatives and separation of powers,” but that the committee “insists on pursuing a political path, leaving President Trump no choice but to involve the third branch, the judicial branch, in this dispute between the executive and legislative branches.”
During its final meeting before the midterm elections, the committee resolved to subpoena Trump and formally did so last month, demanding the former president’s testimony. Members of the committee say that Trump “personally organized” a multifaceted campaign to change the results of the 2020 presidential election.
They stated that Trump was required to testify on or around November 14 at the Capitol or via videoconference, and for numerous days if necessary.
The letter reportedly detailed a broad request for materials, including personal conversations between Trump and members of Congress and extremist organizations.
The complaint comes as Trump prepares to start his third presidential campaign next week.