Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the events of January 6 has exposed details pointing towards former President Donald Trump’s apparent lack of concern in quelling the Capitol riot. The report unveils Trump’s reaction upon learning that his vice president, Mike Pence, had been moved to a secure location for safety, as disclosed by Independent on Sunday, January 7.
According to information provided to Smith’s team by Trump aide Nick Luna, the then-president callously responded with a dismissive “So what?” upon being informed of Pence’s relocation. Luna’s astonishment at this response was palpable, given Pence’s unwavering loyalty to Trump throughout their years together.
Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, another key witness, further divulged to federal investigators that Trump displayed a notable lack of interest in addressing the escalating violence on that fateful day. Scavino highlighted that Trump’s anger seemed more directed at the election results than the unfolding chaos at the Capitol, where rioters purportedly acted in his name.
Despite efforts to persuade Trump to intervene, his aides, faced with his apparent disinterest, chose to give him some space. During this period alone, sources informed ABC News that Trump posted a tweet that would later become infamous, accusing Pence of lacking the courage to protect the country and the Constitution.
Trump’s aides, bewildered by the tweet, sought clarification from Scavino, who reportedly denied responsibility, telling the special counsel’s team, “I didn’t do it.”
In a later phone call on the same evening, Scavino allegedly reminded Trump that the events of January 6 would shape his legacy. “This is all your legacy here, and there’s smoke coming out of the Capitol,” Scavino reportedly emphasized to Trump.
Witnesses testifying to the January 6 House Select Committee revealed that during the Capitol riot aftermath, Trump remained in the Oval Office’s dining room, fixated on television coverage of the unfolding chaos. These witnesses underscored Trump’s prolonged reluctance to intervene in the crisis.
The final report of the January 6 House panel identified Trump as the central figure behind the events, asserting that “the central cause of January 6th was one man, former President Donald Trump, whom many others followed.”
These revelations are part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s broader investigation into Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and the events leading up to the Capitol riot. As the probe continues, the details unveiled shed light on Trump’s actions and statements during a critical moment in U.S. history.