From New York Times, I'm Michael Bavaro.

This is a date.

Today.

A few days ago, when the House Committee investigating January 6th issued a subpoena to Donald

Trump.

It raised an untested legal question.

Kim Congress compel a former president to testify.

My colleague, Luke Broadwater, has been trying to figure that out.

It's Wednesday, October 26th.

Luke, the last hearing of the January 6th Committee ended not with any blockbuster revelations,

which is what we have been trained to expect from them, but instead with a vote to subpoena

former president, Donald Trump.

So, take us back to that moment and walk us through how the committee explained that

momentous decision.

So, almost immediately, as soon as the hearing has gabbled in, the select committee to investigate

January 6th attack on a United States capital would be an order.

I get a text message on my phone from a source who says, scrap whatever you're writing.

There's going to be a surprise.

I start pushing the person a little bit and I quickly learn that they're getting ready

to issue a subpoena to former president Trump at the end of this two and a half hour hearing.

And so, I let the editors know.

I start texting everyone I know trying to get a second source.

...