Don Berthiaume, President Donald Trump's nominee for inspector general at the Department of Justice, refused to outright characterize the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as an 'attack.' During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Berthiaume was pressed on the nature of the event but stopped short of using that specific term.
Senate Testimony Details
Berthiaume, a career prosecutor and former federal law enforcement official, faced questions from senators about his views on the Capitol riot. When asked directly whether the events of January 6 constituted an attack, he stated that it was a 'violent breach' and a 'criminal act,' but he declined to label it an attack, saying he wanted to avoid using language that could be seen as prejudging potential investigations.
His response drew criticism from some Democrats on the committee, who argued that the term 'attack' accurately describes the violent assault on the Capitol that disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Senator Gary Peters, the committee's chairman, expressed concern that Berthiaume's reluctance could indicate a lack of independence in overseeing the Justice Department's work.
Context and Reactions
The nominee's stance aligns with the Trump administration's broader narrative that downplays the severity of the riot. More than 1,200 individuals have been charged in connection with the incident, with hundreds convicted of crimes ranging from trespassing to assaulting police officers. Berthiaume's refusal to call it an attack has reignited debates over the political independence of inspector general positions, which are tasked with rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within government agencies.
Republicans on the committee defended Berthiaume, noting his extensive experience in law enforcement and arguing that he was simply being cautious with his words. Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, suggested that the focus should be on Berthiaume's qualifications rather than his choice of language.
The confirmation process for Berthiaume continues, with a full Senate vote expected in the coming weeks. If confirmed, he would oversee investigations into potential misconduct within the Justice Department, including any related to the handling of the January 6 cases.
