Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has clarified her stance on the January 6 Capitol riots following comedian Bill Maher’s assertion that she took “responsibility” for security failures during the attack. In a recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, Pelosi addressed these claims and provided her perspective on the events.
During the August 30 interview, Maher questioned Pelosi about newly released footage in which she appeared to take responsibility for the Capitol’s security measures. “There’s some footage of you that just came out where you’re talking about — you say, I’m quoting you, ‘I take responsibility,’” Maher stated.
Pelosi firmly rejected Maher’s interpretation of her comments. “I’m not ever taking responsibility for [former President] Donald Trump,” she asserted, emphasizing that her focus is on ensuring Trump does not return to the White House.
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The footage in question, highlighted by Mediaite and reported by The Hill, shows Pelosi discussing the inadequate response to the Capitol attack. In the video, Pelosi is seen questioning why the National Guard’s response was delayed, expressing frustration over the lack of preparedness.
“How many times did the members ask, ‘Are we prepared? Are we prepared?’ We’re not prepared for the worst,” Pelosi is heard saying. “We’re calling the National Guard, now? It should’ve been here to start out. I just don’t understand it.”
Pelosi’s comments reflect her dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation, but she maintains that her responsibility was never about the security oversight itself. Instead, she stresses her commitment to addressing the political implications of Trump’s actions and ensuring a future without his influence.
In her discussion with Maher, Pelosi also touched on the personal challenges of her public role, including her husband’s attack and the broader anxieties of her career. She quoted former President Teddy Roosevelt to convey her resilience: “When you’re in the arena, you’re no longer a spectator… You got to be ready to take a punch, and you got to be ready to throw a punch.”
The interview underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the January 6 events and Pelosi’s ongoing efforts to address both the procedural and political ramifications of that day.
