A recent audio interview with journalist Jonathan Karl, former President Donald Trump disclosed that, on January 6, 2021, he had planned to visit the Capitol but was stopped by the Secret Service.
The audio, released on November 17, 2023, exposes Trump’s perspective on the events surrounding the Capitol riots and his reflections afterward, as reported by Newsweek.
Speaking with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on March 18, 2021, just over two months post the Capitol riots, Trump recalled the rally where he informed supporters of his Capitol plans. However, the Secret Service intervened, a revelation highlighted in the exclusive audio excerpt aired by CNN on November 16, 2023.
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I was going to, and then Secret Service said you can’t, and then by the time—I would have, and then when I get back, I saw—I wanted to go back, explained Trump in the audio, noting that the Secret Service was not keen on his return during the turmoil.
Trump asserted he would have been very well received by the crowd, previously dubbed the biggest crowd I’ve ever spoken in front of by far.
The interview provides a glimpse into Trump’s perspective on the January 6 events and his desire to address the crowd directly.
Despite Trump’s legal challenges related to January 6, he maintains a strong position in the Republican primary for 2024, leading with an average of 59.1 percent, as of November 16, according to FiveThirtyEight. Legal analysts consider the audio recording crucial evidence for the prosecution in Trump’s upcoming trials.
While facing charges, Trump continues to assert his innocence, dismissing allegations as politically motivated. Newsweek sought a comment from Trump’s 2024 campaign, but as of article publication, there has been no response.
