Live Jan. 6 testimony? Liz Cheney vows Trump won't get a 'circus'

Rachel Schilke

October 23, 10:41 AM October 23, 10:41 AM

Former President Donald Trump will not be allowed to turn any testimony he gives to the Jan. 6 committee into a "circus," Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) said on Sunday.

Cheney, who is the vice chairwoman of the panel, said the House select committee is treating the matter of Trump's testimony with "great seriousness" and members will go through all the steps necessary to give it the level of discipline that it deserves.

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"We will — are not going to let the former president — he's not going to turn this into a circus," she said during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

Cheney was responding to a question from host Chuck Todd, who asked her about the prospect of Trump testifying live for TV. The congresswoman stressed that the committee will not let Trump turn any testimony he gives into a "first debate" with President Joe Biden — a nod to a potential rematch in 2024.

The Jan. 6 committee voted unanimously to subpoena Trump for documents and testimony at the end of its last hearing earlier this month. The subpoena was formally announced on Friday. The subpoena demands evidence and documents be presented by Nov. 4 and that Trump sit for deposition in person or through a video link around Nov. 14.

Trump has castigated the committee but has not stated publicly whether he intends to comply with the subpoena.

New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman recently told CNN's Jake Tapper that Trump has told advisers he would consider testifying — if it was broadcast live.