Donald Trump in 'Big Trouble' if Ex Aide Talking to Jack Smith: Kinzinger

Hold us accountable by rating this article's fairness Donald Trump is in "big trouble" if ex adviser Dan Scavino is talking to federal authorities, according to former congressman . Scavino told Special Counsel that Trump was "just not interested" in stopping the violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to sources cited by News in a report on Sunday.

Kinzinger, part of the House Select Committee probe into the events of January 6, said Scavino was top of his list of people to speak to. While the committee was unable to speak to Scavino, his claims of executive privilege preventing him from speaking to Special Counsel Jack Smith were shot down by a judge.

Smith has brought two criminal indictments against Trump. One of them is related to Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and his involvement with the riots at the Capitol. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Scavino "cooperating with the feds" is "real trouble" for Trump, Kinzinger said.

"It reaffirms what we've already known, but it's very impactful. For 187 minutes, for over three hours, sat there watching his insurrection in action and did not act." The former Illinois lawmaker said: "So let's say you believe that Donald Trump wanted this to end and you believe he's some man of action.

All he had to do was literally put out a tweet. All he had to do was activate the National Guard." Trump has been accused of inaction on the day. ABC was told Scavino and others attempted to persuade the 45th president to send out a tweet to calm the crowd. has approached a representative for Trump via email.

Scavino reportedly helped draft tweets for Trump to use that day, according to ABC News. "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement." Trump tweeted at 2.38 p.m. on the day. "They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!" The first rioters had entered the Capitol around 26 minutes earlier and the tweet came 14 minutes after Trump accused Pence of a lack of courage.

In a tweet at 2.24 p.m., Trump said then Vice President did not have "the courage" to "protect our country." Pence certified the results of the election in on January 6, 2021, in the backdrop of Trump's baseless claims of election fraud. At 3.13 p.m., Trump tweeted "asking for everyone at the U.S.

Capitol to remain peaceful." Kinzinger said Trump only put out a statement "when it became obvious that law enforcement was going to take back the Capitol." Trump is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights.

He has denied all charges and maintains the indictment is politically motivated. Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground. Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground..