Cassidy Hutchinson did not admit that she lied. Throughout the Justice Department investigation, she steadfastly maintained that her 2022 congressional testimony regarding Donald Trump and his inner circle was entirely truthful.
Tony Ornato testified under oath that he did not recall the conversation or the incident occurring.
When questioned by the House January 6 Committee during a closed-door deposition, Ornato stated that he had no memory of the conversation Cassidy Hutchinson described. He also stated that he did not recall the story itself happening or having any knowledge of Donald Trump exhibiting that level of physical anger inside the vehicle.
The Key Takeaways
from Ornato's Response
- Denied Telling the Story: According to sources close to the Secret Service and investigative transcripts, Ornato denied ever telling Hutchinson that Trump lunged at an agent or grabbed the steering wheel.
- No Memory Defense: In his official November 2022 testimony, Ornato stated that he relayed that this is not a story he recollects and he does not recall that story happening.
- Supported by Secret Service Personnel: Ornato’s recollection aligned with testimonies from the Secret Service detail. Bobby Engel (the lead agent in the car) and the presidential SUV's driver both testified that while Trump was visibly angry and insisted on going to the Capitol, he never lunged or grabbed the steering wheel.
