Report: DOJ subpoenas former Trump White House lawyer Eric Herschmann


Trump White House lawyer Eric Herschmann has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, a person familiar with the matter told Politico.
The subpoena is for documents and testimony. Herschmann gave former President Donald Trump legal advice but did not work in the White House counsel's office, Politico notes. He represented Trump during his first impeachment trial, and then served as a senior advisor. It's likely that there will be litigation "over the scope of the subpoena and over how executive and attorney-client privileges may limit Herschmann's ability to comply," Politico writes.
Herschmann told the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack that he pushed back against Trump aides and advisors who wanted to try to overturn the election results, and was at the meeting where there were talks of having the military seize voting machines. Herschmann also testified that he told conservative lawyer John Eastman, a Trump supporter who wanted to block President Biden's victory, that he needed to get "a great f--king criminal defense lawyer. You're going to need it."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Subpoenas have also been issued to Trump White House counsel Pat Cipollone and deputy counsel Patrick Philbin. Spokespeople for Herschmann and the Justice Department declined to comment to Politico.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Why are American conservatives clashing with Pope Leo?
Talking Points Comments on immigration and abortion draw backlash
-
9 haunted hotels where things definitely go bump in the night
The Week Recommends Don’t fear these spirited spots. Embrace them.
-
Saudi comedy fest exposes free speech schism in stand-up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The decision by some of stand-up’s biggest names to attend a festival in a nation infamous for its censorship has the comedy world picking sides and settling old scores
-
US tipped to help Kyiv strike Russian energy sites
Speed Read Trump has approved providing Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU party
Speed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
The dark history of myths about immigrants eating swans and pets
In the Spotlight Nigel Farage has mimicked Donald Trump and peddled tropes and rumours that have long been used to ‘dehumanise’ immigrants
-
What would happen if Israel lost America’s support?
Today’s big question Loss of US backing could be a ‘catastrophe’ for Israel
-
UK, 3 Western allies recognize Palestinian state
Speed Read Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine