Hope Hicks' refusal to answer questions about her time in the White House could be the start of litigation, congressman says

The early reports concerning former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks' testimony before the House Judiciary Committee are in, and the word is she's been tight-lipped so far.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), a member of the panel, told reporters on Wednesday that Hicks was not answering questions about her time in the White House, which is line with directives from President Trump's lawyers. Cicilline said that the self-imposed moratorium has prevented the committee from doing its oversight work.

"She has answered some and mostly she is hiding behind the facetious claim of complete immunity about anything to do with her service about the White House," the congressman said. He added this will presumably be the beginning of litigation.

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White House lawyer Pat Cipollone on Tuesday sent a letter to committee chair Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) stating that Hicks was not legally required to talk about her time in the Trump administration, a claim which Nadler rejected, responding that the committee would address "privilege and other objections" on a question-by-question basis. It appears, though, that Hicks has stuck with Cipollone's recommendation. A transcript of the hearing will be made public, but it could take several days to appear, NBC News reports.