Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards, trained to respond to mass demonstrations, described her experience on January 6. She was stationed on the west side of the Capitol when the rioters breached the perimeter. She was struck by a rioter and knocked unconscious but, on gaining consciousness, immediately resumed duty to hold the line. Officer Edwards faced tear gas, chemical irritants, and the chaotic scene with injured officers. Her testimony underscored the traumatic experience of Capitol Police, motivating Cheney to prioritize her duty over political considerations, despite threats to her family’s safety.

Cheney describes the investigation leading up to the hearings on the January 6 riot. Cheney’s team compiled statements from rioters, revealing their motivation to “take back our country” based on Trump’s claims of election fraud (196). The chapter describes the meticulous preparations for the hearings, including collaboration with committee lawyers, drafting witness questions, and creating video presentations. Cheney writes that the hearings presented overwhelming evidence that Trump knew his claims were false and that numerous officials within his campaign and administration agreed. Despite this, Trump continued to promote baseless fraud allegations, inciting the events of January 6.

Cheney explores the legal and constitutional aspects surrounding Pence’s role on January 6. The chapter highlights that Trump pressured Pence to violate the law and his constitutional oath to overturn the election results, even though Pence’s role was purely ministerial. Despite clear legal constraints, Trump continued to push his false narrative and even encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol. The chapter emphasizes the dangerous consequences of Trump’s actions and the Republican members who supported them.

Cheney discusses the efforts made by Trump to change state electoral votes from Biden to Trump. Despite pressuring state officials and legislators, no state relented, and no state legislature attempted to alter the electoral votes. The chapter also details the threats, harassment, and intimidation faced by election workers and officials following Trump’s false claims, including instances of publicized violence. Additionally, it touches on Trump’s scheme to create fake electoral slates and how they were knowingly fraudulent, constituting a part of a larger conspiracy to steal the election.

Cheney describes the events surrounding Trump’s dealings with Department of Justice Official Jeffrey Clark in late December 2020. Trump attempted to use Clark to draft a letter falsely claiming election concerns and urging state legislatures to convene in special sessions to change electoral votes. Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen and Acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue refused to sign the letter, leading to a confrontation with Clark. Rosen and Donoghue testified before the committee about these events, revealing the potential consequences of Trump’s actions. The chapter also highlights efforts to stop Clark from becoming Attorney General and Trump’s persistence in pushing false election claims.

Cheney recounts the challenges faced during the investigation into the events of January 6. Cassidy Hutchinson provided valuable information but faced immense pressure and potential repercussions for her testimony. Cheney and her team had to ensure Hutchinson’s security and prevent leaks while deciding to hold a new hearing to address the significant revelations. The chapter highlights the delicate balance between uncovering the truth and protecting witnesses in a high-stakes political environment.

Cheney details the insights provided by Hutchinson during her congressional testimony. Hutchinson’s testimony revealed crucial details about Trump and Meadows’s actions and discussions during the events of January 6. She disclosed that White House Chief of Staff Pat Cipollone had urged action to prevent violence, shedding light on Trump’s refusal to intervene. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Hutchinson’s bravery and highlights the eventual success in persuading Cipollone to testify after issuing a subpoena.

Cheney describes her experience speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and in a primary debate in Wyoming. Cheney emphasizes her commitment to upholding her oath to the Constitution and prioritizing duty over party loyalty. She recalls the warm reception at the library and addresses her constituents, pledging to tell the truth, even if it contradicts popular beliefs.

Cheney discusses the testimony of Pat Cipollone, a key figure in the January 6 Committee’s investigation. She highlights how Trump’s defenders shifted their tactics to blame others outside his administration for his actions on January 6. Cheney firmly asserts that Trump is an adult responsible for his choices and should not be excused. She describes the critical testimony of various high-level Trump administration officials and their efforts to convince Trump to concede the election, concluding that Trump wanted the electoral count to stop. The chapter emphasizes the importance of holding Trump accountable for his actions during the January 6 attack.

Cheney writes about the Heart Mountain Relocation Center during World War II, where Japanese Americans were forcibly evacuated and detained following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It mentions the friendship between Alan Simpson, a Republican, and Norm Mineta, a Democrat, who both had significant political careers. The chapter also touches on the events of September 11, 2001, when Norm Mineta and Vice President Richard Cheney worked to secure American commercial aircraft during the 9/11 attacks. The chapter ends with Cheney’s reflection on her dedication to the truth and her refusal to compromise on it during her political campaign, despite knowing it would be a challenging path in Wyoming’s Republican primary. She emphasizes the importance of defending American freedom and democracy against those who seek to undermine them.

Chapter 54 discusses the 2022 midterm election, where many pollsters predicted significant Republican gains in the House of Representatives. Cheney formed a political action committee called the Great Task to combat election deniers. She endorsed Democratic candidates Elissa Slotkin and Abigail Spanberger, both of whom won their races. The chapter highlights that election deniers were defeated in various races, indicating that a significant number of Americans from different political backgrounds rejected the lies of Trump and other election deniers.

Chapter 55 examines the investigation surrounding the destruction of text messages among Secret Service agents on January 6, 2022. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pledged assistance, appointing Steve Bunnell to help the committee. Despite efforts to recover the deleted texts, they remained lost. However, the committee received approximately one million new emails and documents from the Secret Service, revealing that the White House had ample knowledge of the potential violence on January 6. Cheney emphasizes that they knew enough to cancel President Trump’s speech and prevent the disaster that unfolded.

Cheney recounts the actions of the January 6 Committee on October 13, 2022. The committee sought to provide context to the Department of Justice and state prosecutors regarding their investigation into Trump’s intent and state of mind during the events of January 6, 2022. They highlighted evidence related to Trump’s advisers, Steve Bannon, Tom Fitton, and Roger Stone, which confirmed a premeditated election night strategy. The committee also issued a subpoena to Trump, challenging him to testify or admit that he had been bluffing about doing so.

Chapter 57 discusses the committee’s efforts to conduct an investigation and draft legislation to prevent future attempts to undermine elections. They recognized the need to address potential scenarios where state governors or secretaries of state refuse to certify lawful election results. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and others worked on drafting legislation to modify the Electoral Count Act of 1887, receiving positive feedback from conservatives. Eventually, the Senate version of the bill passed both houses of Congress, aiming to prevent future election turmoil, but the threat of a possible Trump second term remained.

Chapter 58 describes the committee’s shift toward working on its final report after the October 2022 hearing. They aimed to explain how Trump’s efforts to overturn the election fit together and to meticulously source their findings. The committee also prepared criminal referrals and an executive summary. Cheney writes that, despite disinformation and challenges, they persevered, emphasizing the importance of preserving the ideals of the United States and concluding that Trump was unfit for any office. The chapter highlights the contributions of many committee members and staff.

Cheney reflects on the peaceful transfer of power in American history, highlighting its significance. She shares an anecdote about President Ford’s graceful concession to Jimmy Carter in 1976 as an example of unity for the nation’s good. She emphasizes the importance of leaders ceding power and unity in the face of political differences. Cheney expresses concerns about the potential consequences if Trump were to return to power and calls on the American people to protect the Constitution and the nation’s institutions by preventing his election in 2024, emphasizing the collective responsibility of “We the People” to ensure the survival of the republic.