Stephen Colbert discusses the January 6 committee hearings, specifically the testimony of former Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and former Acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donahue. They described how former President Trump repeatedly asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate baseless claims of election fraud, despite being told there was no evidence to support these claims. Trump also asked the DOJ to seize voting machines, which they refused to do.
The hearings also revealed that Trump's team, including Rudy Giuliani, spread conspiracy theories about the election, including one involving an Italian defense contractor and a satellite switching votes from Trump to Biden.
Colbert mocks the absurdity of these claims and the involvement of Giuliani, who is known for his questionable behavior. He also pokes fun at Jeffrey Clark, a former DOJ official who drafted a letter claiming the DOJ had evidence of election fraud, despite having no such evidence.
The testimony highlighted the lengths to which Trump and his team went to try to overturn the election, and how they were thwarted by officials who refused to go along with their plans.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The January 6 committee hearings were held to investigate the attempt to steal the 2020 presidential election.
2. The committee was led by Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican.
3. The hearings featured testimony from former acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen and former acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donahue.
4. President Trump called Rosen on Christmas Eve to discuss election matters.
5. Trump asked Rosen to investigate claims of election fraud, but Rosen told him there was no evidence to support these claims.
6. Trump wanted Rosen to say the election was corrupt, even though there was no evidence.
7. Donahue took notes during a meeting with Trump because the president was making baseless allegations about election fraud.
8. Trump's conspiracy theories included a claim that an Italian defense contractor had uploaded software to a satellite that switched votes from Trump to Biden.
9. This theory was based on a YouTube video forwarded by Republican Congressman Scott Perry to Mark Meadows, who sent it to the DOJ.
10. Acting Attorney General Rosen refused to send a letter to Georgia state election officials claiming the DOJ had evidence of massive election fraud.
11. Jeffrey Clark, the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment, had drafted the letter and wanted it sent to Georgia officials.
12. Clark's proposal was rejected by the White House attorney, Eric Herschmann, who thought it was "nuts."
13. Rudy Giuliani was involved in recommending Clark for election-related responsibilities.
14. A meeting was held in the Oval Office to discuss Clark's proposal, which was opposed by Donahue and others.
15. Donahue expressed doubts about Clark's competence to serve as Attorney General, citing his lack of experience in criminal law.