A note torn and discarded by former President Donald Trump after a December 2020 meeting with advisers has been meticulously reconstructed and acquired by the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack.
The handwritten note on a legal pad is anticipated to offer insights into Trump’s mindset and motives that may have fueled the insurrection aimed at overturning the 2020 election results.
Reported by Benzinga on Thursday, November 16, 2023, the contents of the note could severely impact Trump’s potential 2024 presidential bid, highlighting his refusal to acknowledge reality and his apparent willingness to employ violence and falsehoods to maintain political power.
According to CNN, the note comprises several bullet points summarizing Trump’s grievances and demands related to the 2020 election, falsely alleging it was rigged and stolen by President Joe Biden and the Democrats. Some of the key points include:
– “We won by a landslide”
– “The election was rigged”
– “Stop the steal”
– “Fight for Trump”
– “Pence has to do the right thing”
– “Call state legislatures”
– “Declare martial law”
– “Appoint special counsel”
– “Seize voting machines”
The note lays bare Trump’s fixation and desperation regarding the 2020 election, showcasing his unwillingness to concede or facilitate a peaceful transition of power.
It also exposes his exertion of pressure and influence on allies such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former Attorney General William Barr, and former Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, urging actions that would undermine the Constitution and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the note reveals Trump’s endorsement of violent and extremist groups, including the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and QAnon followers, who participated in the Capitol storming on January 6.
Recovered and meticulously reconstructed by White House records management officials, the note was handed over to the National Archives and subsequently to the January 6 committee. It now stands as a crucial piece of evidence for the committee, aiming to unveil the truth and hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
The reconstructed note may serve as a tool for questioning Trump’s former advisers and associates and could be instrumental in confronting and impeaching Trump himself, who has been uncooperative with the investigation.
Moreover, the note may play a pivotal role in various criminal and civil cases related to the attack, affecting Trump’s political future, especially considering his anticipated 2024 presidential run.
The note’s potential to erode Trump’s credibility and popularity among the American public, particularly independent and moderate voters, poses a significant threat to his political standing. It may also create divisions within his own party, as Republicans grapple with whether to distance themselves from Trump or remain loyal.
Furthermore, the note’s revelation could energize Trump’s opponents, including Democrats, the media, and civil society, serving as a stark reminder and warning of the perceived threat he poses to democracy and national security.
In summary, the torn-up note exposes Trump’s fears and frustrations over the 2020 election, shedding light on his role and responsibility for the January 6 Capitol attack. Its potential impact on Trump’s chances of reelection underscores his unwillingness to accept reality and his readiness to employ drastic measures to retain power.
