Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sharply criticized ex-President Donald Trump for his alleged failure to intervene and suppress the violence that transpired at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on “This Week” on Sunday, January 7, 2024, Pelosi accused Trump of inciting an insurrection and emphasized the severity of the situation as the nation approaches the 2024 presidential race.
“He talks about the big steal as he engages in the big lie,” Pelosi asserted, referencing Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud. She stressed the imperative to demonstrate, throughout the upcoming campaign, that the nation stands for liberty and justice for all, adamantly rejecting the presence of Confederate flags within the Capitol.
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Pelosi’s remarks come in the wake of recent ABC News reporting, unveiling undisclosed details about Trump’s apparent lack of interest in quelling the violence during the Capitol riot. Sources familiar with the special counsel’s investigation revealed that Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino, informed investigators that Trump “was just not interested” in taking further action to halt the mob.
The ABC News report also underscored Trump’s dismissive response upon learning that then-Vice President Mike Pence had to be evacuated to a secure location during the chaos. Trump allegedly callously remarked, “So what?”
Currently facing federal election subversion charges, Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and dismissing the allegations as political persecution. In response to the recent reporting, a spokesperson for Trump rejected it as “second-hand hearsay,” underscoring the perceived weaknesses in the ongoing investigations.
Pelosi seized on these revelations during her “This Week” appearance, pointing out that many disclosures about Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and his actions on January 6 have come from Republicans. She emphasized the crucial need to acknowledge the truth and expressed concern over the substantial number of Republicans who falsely believe Trump won the 2020 election and that the FBI instigated the violence on January 6.
“It’s a challenge that we have in our country,” Pelosi acknowledged, underscoring the necessity to address all concerns with respect and unify the nation. Despite the challenges, she made it unequivocal that the assault on the Constitution cannot be ignored, stating, “He [Trump] is not above the law.”
When pressed on whether Trump should be barred from running for president again under the 14th Amendment, Pelosi deferred, noting that the courts will have to rule on the matter. However, she expressed her belief that Trump engaged in an insurrection, further intensifying the scrutiny on the former president’s actions.
Shifting the focus to immigration reform, Pelosi responded to Republican calls for comprehensive changes as part of the White House’s national security proposal. She underscored the need to secure the border while honoring responsibilities related to asylum. Pelosi cautioned against a government shutdown, urging a mature approach to dealing with the country’s responsibilities.
As the nation reflects on the three-year anniversary of the Capitol riot, Pelosi’s forceful condemnation of Trump’s inaction adds another layer to the ongoing debates about accountability and the integrity of the democratic process. The revelations from within Trump’s inner circle contribute to a growing body of evidence that continues to shape the narrative surrounding the events of January 6, 2021.
