Former top Meadows aide to testify in unexpected Jan. 6 committee hearing 6/28/22 Transcript

Gayle King: (00:00) Now to Washington in some potentially explosive testimony on Capitol Hill. The committee investigating the January 6th attack is rushing back for a surprise hearing today. Scott MacFarlane is on Capitol Hill with more on this story. Scott, good morning. A lot of mystery surrounding this. Everybody saying this better be big. What are you hearing? Scott MacFarlane: (00:18) Okay. We've learned that witness is Cassidy Hutchinson. She was a top aide to former President Trump's Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows. And according to committee court filings reviewed by CBS News, she was in the room for key meetings in those chaotic days before January 6th. Scott MacFarlane: (00:36) In a surprise move, the January 6th House Select Committee scheduled a new public hearing Tuesday with its witness shrouded in secrecy, until now. CBS News has learned that Cassidy Hutchinson is expected to testify. Hutchinson was an executive assistant for Mark Meadows, who was former President Trump's Chief of Staff. Hutchinson's testimony could be key because it could reveal if her former boss or President Trump played a role in the alleged campaign to pressure then Vice President, Mike Pence, the Justice Department, and local election officials to help overturn the 2020 election. Scott MacFarlane: (01:11) In a closed door deposition earlier this year, Hutchinson told the committee close to a half dozen Republican members of Congress asked for a pardon, after the panel claims those lawmakers spread election lies. Speaker 3: (01:22) Are you aware of any members of Congress seeking pardons? Cassidy Hutchinson: (01:30) Mr. Gaetz and Mr. Brooks I know have both advocated for there be a blanket pardon for members involved in that meeting and a handful of other members that weren't at the December 21st meeting, as the preemptive pardons. Scott MacFarlane: (01:46) And the Justice Department may be building its own case. John Eastman: (01:49) Well, we don't know because the warrant doesn't say. Scott MacFarlane: (01:51) In a new court filing, CBS News has learned Donald Trump's election attorney, John Eastman had his phone seized by federal agents last week while leaving a restaurant in New Mexico. John Eastman: (02:00) There's no indication of any crime that this is connected to. So this warrant is invalid on its face. Scott MacFarlane: (02:08) This is the sixth public hearing of this January 6th committee. We will hear what Cassidy Hutchinson has to say about her former boss, Mark Meadows, who has not cooperated with this committee's subpoenas, citing executive privilege. Gayle. Gayle King: (02:23) All right, Scott, we'll all be watching. Thank you very much.