DOJ Watchdog Nominee Questions January 6 Capitol Attack Label

WHO:

CNN - Don Berthiaume, nominee to lead the Justice Department’s internal watchdog office.

CNN - Richard Blumenthal, Democratic Senator from Connecticut.

The Guardian - Donald Trump, President of the United States.

The Guardian - Joe Biden, President of the United States.

WHAT:

CNN - Berthiaume refused to use the term “attack” to describe the violence on January 6, 2021.

CNN - Berthiaume acknowledged there was “physical violence” outside the Capitol on January 6.

The Guardian - Berthiaume was praised as a veteran of the Justice Department during his confirmation process.

The Guardian - Trump nominated Berthiaume for the permanent role of inspector general this year after serving in a temporary acting role last year.

The Guardian - Blumenthal described Berthiaume's wording regarding January 6 as “the most obvious understatement.”

WHERE:

CNN - The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

CNN - The confirmation hearing took place on a Wednesday (exact date not specified).

The Guardian - The events of January 6, 2021, are referenced.

WHY:

CNN - Blumenthal questioned Berthiaume about the 2020 election results and January 6 to test the nominee’s independence.

The Guardian - Blumenthal stated that his questions were intended as a test of Berthiaume's prospective independence.

HOW:

CNN - Berthiaume responded to questions during his confirmation hearing.

The Guardian - Berthiaume echoed a tactic used by other nominees when asked about the 2020 election results, stating that Biden had been “certified” by the Senate.

(UPDATED June 17, 2026 23:29 UTC)

During a recent confirmation hearing at the U.S. Capitol, Don Berthiaume, nominated to lead the Justice Department’s internal watchdog office, faced questions from Senator Richard Blumenthal regarding the events of January 6, 2021. Berthiaume acknowledged the “physical violence” that occurred that day but notably refused to label it an “attack,” prompting Blumenthal to call this description “the most obvious understatement.” In his responses, Berthiaume echoed a common tactic among nominees, asserting that Joe Biden had been “certified” by the Senate following the 2020 election.