May 21, 2019

House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas Hope Hicks and Annie Donaldson

The White House is likely to request they defy the committee.

Donald Trump kisses outgoing White House Communications Director on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones' newsletters.

The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday subpoenaed Hope Hicks, the former White House communications director, and Annie Donaldson, a former chief of staff to Donald McGahn when he served as White House counsel, as part of the panel’s effort to obtain information regarding President Donald Trump’s alleged obstruction of justice. 

The move comes after McGahn refused to comply with the committee’s subpoena seeking his testimony at a hearing on Tuesday after the White House claimed the power to block his testimony. In his final report, Special Counsel Robert Mueller cited McGahn’s recollections about Trump’s efforts to force Mueller’s firing as part of the case that Trump had obstructed justice. As McGahn’s deputy, Donaldson kept detailed notes that buttressed McGahn’s account.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the committee’s chairman, says Hicks also was a “critical witness” to Trump’s potential obstruction. The White House is likely to attempt to bar Donaldson and Hicks from testifying and from sharing documents with the panel.

Read the subpoenas here:


Thank you!

We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

Thank you!

We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our newsletters

Subscribe and we'll send Mother Jones straight to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate