The never-before-seen texts embrace messages from Trump’s household — daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Donald Trump Jr. — in addition to White Home and marketing campaign officers, Cupboard members, Republican Social gathering leaders, January 6 rally organizers, Rudy Giuliani, My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, Sean Hannity and different Fox hosts. There are additionally textual content exchanges with greater than 40 present and former Republican members of Congress, together with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, Mo Brooks of Alabama and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
The texts embrace all the pieces from plans to combat the election outcomes to stunning and surprising reactions on January 6 from a few of Trump’s staunchest allies. At 2:28 p.m., Greene, the conservative firebrand who had helped to plan the congressional objections that day, texted Meadows with an pressing plea for assist because the violence was unfolding on the Capitol.
“Mark I used to be simply instructed there may be an energetic shooter on the primary ground of the Capitol Please inform the President to calm individuals This is not the best way to resolve something,” Greene wrote. Meadows doesn’t seem to answer.
Extra messages flooded in.
“Mark: he must cease this, now. Can I do something to assist?” Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s former performing White Home chief of employees, texted Meadows.
“It is actually dangerous up right here on the hill. They’ve breached the Capitol,” Georgia Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk wrote.
“The president must cease this ASAP,” texted GOP Rep. William Timmons of South Carolina.
“POTUS is partaking,” Meadows despatched in response to Loudermilk. “We’re doing it,” he texted to Timmons.
“Thanks. This does not assist our trigger,” Loudermilk replied.
Shortly after, Donald Trump Jr. weighed in: “This his(sic) one you go to the mattresses on. They may attempt to fuck his total legacy on this if it will get worse.”
“TELL THEM TO GO HOME !!!” texted Trump’s first chief of employees, Reince Priebus.
Heated rhetoric and conspiracy theories
On November 7, hours earlier than the election was known as, Perry texted Meadows once more: “We’ve the info pushed program that may clearly present the place the fraud was dedicated. That is the silver bullet.”
Whereas Perry has beforehand denied CNN reporting about his textual content messages to Meadows, CNN has confirmed it is his mobile phone and he signed this textual content, “Rick Perry,” together with his quantity.
At 3:45 p.m., Trump marketing campaign spokesman Jason Miller steered to Meadows and Trump aide Dan Scavino that Trump ought to tweet: “Name me loopy, however concepts for 2 tweets from POTUS: 1) Dangerous apples, possible ANTIFA or different crazed leftists, infiltrated at present s peaceable protest over the fraudulent vote rely. Violence isn’t acceptable! MAGA supporters embrace our police and the rule of regulation and may go away the Capitol now! 2) The faux information media who inspired this summer season s violent and radical riots at the moment are making an attempt responsible peaceable and harmless MAGA supporters for violent actions. This is not who we’re! Our individuals ought to head house and let the criminals endure the results!”
Trump’s allies in Congress appeared to get the message. At 3:52 p.m., Greene instructed Meadows: “Mark we do not assume these attackers are our individuals. We predict they’re Antifa. Dressed like Trump supporters.”
5 minutes later, Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Texas Republican, texted Meadows: “Cap Police instructed me final night time they’d been warned that at present there’d be quite a lot of Antifa wearing crimson Trump shirts & hats & would possible get violent.”
Within the 16 months since January 6, a whole bunch of indictments have proven almost all of those that breached the Capitol had been in reality pro-Trump supporters.
Whereas Greene was alarmed on January 6, by the subsequent day she was apologizing that the efforts to dam Biden’s certification had failed.
“Yesterday was a horrible day. We tried all the pieces we might in our objection to the 6 states. I am sorry nothing labored. I do not assume that President Trump induced the assault on the Capitol. It isn’t his fault,” she wrote the morning of January 7. “Completely no excuse and I absolutely denounce all of it, however after shut downs all yr and a stolen election, individuals are saying that they haven’t any different alternative.”
Meadows replied, “Thanks Marjorie.”
On December 31, Greene reached out to Meadows for recommendation about the best way to put together for objections to certifying the election on January 6.
“Good morning Mark, I am right here in DC. We’ve to get organized for the sixth,” Greene wrote. “I wish to meet with Rudy Giuliani once more. We did not get to talk with him lengthy. Additionally anybody who may help. We’re getting quite a lot of members on board. And we have to lay out the very best case for every state.”
Meadows doesn’t seem to reply.
Greene texted: “In our personal chat with solely Members, a number of are saying the one approach to save our Republic is for Trump to name for Marshall (sic) regulation. I do not know on these issues. I simply wished you to inform him. They stole this election. Everyone knows. They may destroy our nation subsequent. Please inform him to declassify as a lot as attainable so we will go after Biden and anybody else!”
Once more, Meadows doesn’t seem to reply.
What Meadows turned over
As well as, the committee launched textual content messages Meadows exchanged with Republican members of Congress, together with texts with Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania a couple of scheme to switch Justice Division leaders who opposed Trump’s claims of election fraud.
On December 26, Perry texted Meadows, “Mark, simply checking in as time continues to rely down. 11 days to 1/6 and 25 days to inauguration. We gotta get going!”
“Mark, you must name Jeff,” he continued. “I simply received off the cellphone with him and he defined to me why the principal deputy will not work particularly with the FBI. They may view it as as (sic) not having the authority to implement what must be achieved.”
“I received it,” Meadows responded. “I believe I perceive. Let me work on the deputy place.”
On December 28, Perry reached out once more: “Did you name Jeff Clark?” Meadows doesn’t seem to reply.
Meadows withheld greater than 1,000 messages from the committee on claims of privilege, the panel stated in Friday’s courtroom submitting. In his lawsuit, Meadows’ lawyer argued the previous White Home chief of employees “has been put within the untenable place of selecting between conflicting privilege claims.”
Hannity to Meadows: ‘Sure sir’
The logs obtained by CNN embrace quite a few messages from official White Home mobile phone numbers. Some have been recognized by CNN, others are unknown.
There are additionally quite a few group texts with Trump’s interior circle. The assorted group chats embrace Meadows, Ivanka Trump, Trump Jr. and Kushner, in addition to high advisers corresponding to Hope Hicks, marketing campaign supervisor Invoice Stepien, Miller and Scavino, amongst others.
Some texts solely embrace hyperlinks to information studies and social media. Others seem to comprise content material that was cut-and-pasted and forwarded. The logs don’t comprise pictures or attachments.
Meadows’ messages additionally embrace dozens of exchanges with Fox hosts, in addition to journalists from the New York Occasions, Washington Put up, Wall Avenue Journal, Related Press, Politico, Bloomberg, NBC, ABC, CBS and CNN.
Amongst Meadows’ most frequent interactions had been these with Fox’s Sean Hannity, a widely known pal of Trump. All through the logs, Hannity each provides recommendation and asks for route.
On the afternoon of Election Day, Hannity texted Meadows to ask about turnout in North Carolina.
Meadows responded: “Stress each vote issues. Get out and vote.”
“Sure sir,” Hannity replied. “On it. Anywhere specifically we’d like a push.”
“Pennsylvania. NC AZ,” Meadows wrote. “Nevada.”
“Received it. In every single place,” Hannity stated.
For essentially the most half, Meadows’ texts are quick, and ceaselessly he doesn’t seem to answer in any respect. Some conversations embrace non sequiturs. It is unclear whether or not Meadows didn’t reply to the messages or if the logs are incomplete, as a result of texts might even have been deleted or withheld for claims of privilege.
CNN reached out for remark to all people who despatched textual content messages quoted on this story. Meadows and his lawyer didn’t reply to requests for remark. A spokesman for the January 6 committee declined to remark.
The combat to ‘cease the steal’
The textual content messages present a timeline exhibiting how Trump’s group searched all corners for proof of election fraud and tried to overturn the election. Starting on Election Day, Meadows was in the course of all of it, from connecting activists pushing conspiracy theories to strategizing with GOP lawmakers and rally organizers making ready for January 6.
The texts additionally present Meadows was coping with all the pieces from mediating a combat over who can be on the speaker’s listing for the January 6 rally to fielding requests to pay Giuliani’s payments.
“Sir, we’re airborne on the best way to Michigan from Arizona. We’ll want a lodge for the group and two automobiles to choose us up,” Bernie Kerik, a Giuliani affiliate, texted Meadows on December 1.
Reached for remark by CNN, Kerik confirmed the textual content was his and stated that he by no means acquired a bank card for these journey bills, paid for it himself and was later reimbursed.
Different texts present Meadows coordinating with GOP activists within the instant aftermath of the election.
“Pls get 4 or 5 killers in remaining counts. Want outsiders who will torch the place. Native of us will not do it. Attorneys and operators. Get us in these states,” American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp texted Meadows on November 4.
“I’ll must get you and mercy (sic) to go to PA,” Meadows responded, referring to Schlapp’s spouse, Mercedes, who’s a former Trump White Home aide.
On a number of events, Trump relations weighed in. Ivanka Trump despatched a observe on November 5 to a gaggle that included Kushner, Hicks, Stepien, Miller and Meadows: “You might be all WARRIORS of epic proportions! Preserve the religion and the combat.”
Dozens of Republicans additionally supplied assist and recommendation to Meadows — in addition to perpetuated conspiracy theories that had been gaining traction in right-wing media.
On November 6, Rep. Andy Biggs, an Arizona Republican, appeared to recommend that state legislatures ought to appoint electors “within the varied states the place there’s been shenanigans,” a transfer he acknowledged can be “extremely controversial.” In his textual content, he wrote the legislatures might appoint “a glance doorways,” which is phonetically much like electors.
The texts additionally present Meadows reached out to GOP officers in a number of states to foyer for Trump’s trigger. On two events, Meadows tried to contact Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who was beneath assault from Trump for certifying Georgia’s election for Biden.
“mr Secretary. Are you able to name the White Home switchboard,” Meadows wrote on December 5. “Your voicemail is full.”
Raffensperger doesn’t seem to answer to the messages.
Meadows additionally acquired textual content messages from GOP activists and native officers making outlandish claims, together with allegations that “traitors inside our intel businesses” had been committing election fraud, in addition to baseless expenses that voting gear corporations Dominion and Smartmatic had manipulated votes — the identical false claims being pushed by Giuliani and Powell.
All through the 2 months, Meadows acquired dozens of messages from Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward, who supplied what she claimed had been examples and sources of voter fraud.
On December 9, she despatched a textual content to Meadows letting him know she’d already reached out to Trump’s government assistant: “This man says he is cracked the entire election fraud and needs to talk to somebody. I despatched his data to Molly Michael a number of days in the past, however I am unsure it went anyplace.”
“I’ll name him,” Meadows responded.
One other frequent texter was Lindell, one of the crucial vocal proponents of baseless election conspiracy theories. Even after courts had dismissed dozens of Trump’s authorized challenges, the My Pillow CEO was nonetheless urgent the White Home.
“The whole lot Sidney has stated is true! We’ve to get the machines and all the pieces we have already got proves the President gained by tens of millions of votes!” Lindell texted Meadows on December 20. “That is the most important cowl up of one of many worst crimes in historical past! I’ve spent over one million$ to assist uncover this fraud and used my platform so individuals can get the phrase not to surrender!”
Meadows replied, “Thanks brother. Pray for a miracle.”
Reached for remark by CNN, Lindell confirmed the textual content was his. He instructed CNN that he has not spoken to Meadows since earlier than January 20, 2021, and that on the time he was “simply making an attempt to get an appointment with the President.”
Doubts about election fraud
Whereas Trump and his allies publicly caught by their claims that the election had been stolen, behind the scenes, Trump’s interior circle — together with Meadows — expressed some doubts. Trump’s aides additionally questioned whether or not legal professionals like Giuliani and Powell had been doing extra hurt than good.
On November 6, Miller, Trump’s marketing campaign spokesman, texted a gaggle, which included Ivanka Trump, Kushner, Hicks, Stepien, Scavino and Meadows, suggesting that the numbers in Philadelphia did not again up claims about alleged election fraud there.
“One different key information level: In 2016, POTUS acquired 15.5% of the vote in Philadelphia County. Immediately he’s at the moment at 18.3%. So he elevated from his efficiency in 2016. In 2016, Philadelphia County made up 11.3% of the whole vote within the state. Because it at the moment stands, Philadelphia County solely makes up 10.2% of the statewide vote tally. So POTUS carried out higher in a smaller share. Sen. (Rick) Santorum was simply making this level on CNN – cuts exhausting in opposition to the city vote stealing narrative,” Miller wrote.
Per week later, Miller wrote to Meadows once more, this time saying that marketing campaign analysis didn’t discover any proof of a conspiracy involving Soros, the Democratic donor. Miller additionally stated he was involved about sharing the findings with Trump.
“Tons there re: performance issues, not a lot there on Dem/Soros conspiracy connections,” Miller wrote on November 13. “Will defer to you on whether or not or to not share full report with POTUS. POTUS is clearly overestimated on them, not simply from his tweets, however he additionally known as me and Justin individually final night time to complain. JM.”
On November 20, Meadows was requested by a Florida contact how assured he was about fraud associated to Dominion. Meadows texted again: “Dominion, not that assured. Different fraud. Very assured.”
Two days later, Ginni Thomas messaged Meadows with obvious considerations, asking, “Attempting to know the Sidney Powell distancing…”
Meadows responded: “She does not have something or at the least she will not share it if she does.”
“Wow!” Ginni Thomas wrote again.
‘Hoping the VP sticks with us’
On December 21, Brooks, the Alabama congressman, wrote to Meadows and others in a gaggle textual content asking whether or not he ought to interact with the media concerning the “formulation of our January 6 methods.”
“Does the White Home need me to answer or be mum?” Brooks wrote. A staunch Trump ally working for Senate this yr, Brooks gave an incendiary speech on January 6 however not too long ago fell out of favor with Trump after suggesting Republicans ought to transfer on from 2020.
In response to CNN’s request for remark, Brooks stated he had “no regrets” about his speech on January 6 and that he was “shocked” by the violence. “I had no inkling,” Brooks added.
“This is the assertion,” Cruz wrote.
“Excellent,” Meadows responded.
“Dems and a few Republicans might properly attempt to shortstop our objection efforts. Hoping the VP sticks with us,” Babin wrote.
“He is completely going to blow his stack on this if he is not already conscious,” Miller stated of Trump. “Oh boy I do not perceive what the VP was pondering right here.”
On January 5, Jordan, the Ohio congressman and shut GOP ally of Meadows, weighed in.
“On January 6, 2021, Vice President Mike Pence, as President of the Senate, ought to name out all electoral votes that he believes are unconstitutional as no electoral votes in any respect — in accordance with steerage from founding father Alexander Hamilton and judicial priority,” Jordan wrote.
Meadows responded the morning of January 6: “I’ve pushed for this. Undecided it’s going to occur.”
The January 6 committee included the textual content alternate in its Friday courtroom submitting as proof of Meadows’ alleged involvement within the effort to overturn the election.
On January 2 and three, Pierson wrote to Meadows searching for assist.
“Good afternoon, would you thoughts giving me a name re: this Jan sixth occasion. Issues have gotten loopy and I desperately want some route. Please,” she requested on January 2.
The subsequent day, she reached out once more: “Scratch that, Caroline Wren has determined to maneuver ahead with the unique psycho listing. Apparently Dan Scavino permitted??”
She continued: “So, I am achieved. I am unable to be part of embarrassing POTUS any additional.”
Lower than an hour later, Pierson wrote Meadows that she instructed Wren she was speaking to the White Home with a view to get her to again down.
“I let her know that I used to be going to succeed in out to WH and her tone modified,” Pierson wrote. “So, I will proceed to construct a correct occasion.”
“Thanks,” Meadows responded.
‘As dangerous as this may get’
Within the aftermath of the violence on the Capitol on January 6, Trump’s interior circle mentioned in a gaggle textual content the best way to take care of the fallout — and Trump’s suspension from Twitter. At 10:10 p.m. on January 6, Kushner texted the group: “Why do not we submit on his Fb web page since he is not locked on the market.”
Within the last days of Trump’s time period, as he confronted impeachment for a second time, Meadows acquired phrases of encouragement from staunch allies, in addition to warning from advisers.
“I wish to cross to POTUS that we’re nonetheless with him, I imagine in him and I wish to encourage him,” Rep. Andrew Clyde, a freshman Georgia Republican, wrote on January 9. “I actually hope he does create a brand new platform to finish (sic) with Twitter and I hope he calls it ‘Trumpet’ after which we will ship out ‘notes’ to one another!”
“I’ll share it with him. Thanks Andrew,” Meadows responded.
“I attempted to stroll the President by way of this earlier however he will not have any of it,” Miller stated.
However, Trump’s standing within the Republican Social gathering rapidly recovered, particularly after McCarthy’s January 28 go to to Mar-a-Lago and the February 2021 acquittal of Trump within the Senate impeachment trial.
However earlier than Trump left workplace, the Meadows textual content logs present a few of Trump’s staunchest allies had been dejected. On January 19, in one of many last texts Meadows acquired as chief of employees, Fox’s Sean Hannity shared a video of McConnell’s ground speech.
Hannity texted Meadows: “Nicely that is as dangerous as this may get.”
CNN’s Ryan Nobles, Tara Subramanian and Christie Johnson contributed to this report.
