Trump sues Jan. 6 committee to avoid testifying in the investigation

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a rally to support Republican candidates ahead of midterm elections, in Dayton, Ohio, U.S. November 7, 2022. 

Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Friday night to avoid complying with a congressional subpoena.

According to the filing, no President or former President has ever been forced to testify or turn over documents in response to a congressional subpoena.

The committee subpoenaed Trump in October and he was scheduled to be deposed the day before his big announcement.

Trump has engaged in a good faith effort to resolve concerns with the committee, but he has been left with no choice but to involve the judicial branch, according to a statement by Trump's lawyer.

Congress can't compel a President to testify because of the separation of powers.

The House select committee voted unanimously to issue a subpoena for Trump's testimony and records related to the investigation into the attack.

A subpoena to a former President is a significant and historic action according to the panel's leaders. This action is not taken lightly.

The committee is looking for records that include documentation of telephone calls, text messages, or communications sent through the Signal app, as well as photos, videos, and handwritten notes relevant to the scope of the probe.

In the suit, Trump's attorneys argue that the subpoena is "incredibly broad" and that it violates his First Amendment rights.

The committee is going to be dissolved at the end of the year, meaning the lawsuit and ensuing legal battle will likely outlive the committee itself. It will be hard for the panel to get Trump to testify.

The Southern District of Florida is where the lawsuit was filed.