At a recent Univision town hall, former President Donald Trump dismissed the notion that his actions on January 6, 2021, should cost him the support of Republican voters. Confronted by a former supporter who criticized Trump’s handling of both the Capitol riot and the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump remained defiant. The voter, who once backed the former president, explained that he could no longer support him because of his conduct during the riot and the departure of key figures from his administration, including former Vice President Mike Pence.
In response, Donald Trump downplayed the significance of losing some supporters, claiming that only a “very small portion” of his base had shifted. “But because it’s me, somebody doesn’t support, they get a little publicity,” he said. Trump continued to defend his disagreement with Pence over the vice president’s refusal to block the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. Trump reiterated his false claim that the 2020 election was rigged, suggesting that his supporters gathered in Washington not because of him, but because of their frustration with the election results.
Donald Trump Distances Himself from Capitol Attack
During the town hall, Donald Trump sought to minimize his role in the Capitol riot, despite evidence linking his words to the events of January 6. He argued that his supporters who gathered that day were motivated by the election and not by his direct calls. While it is well documented that Trump tweeted an invitation to a “wild” protest in Washington, D.C., on January 6, he denied responsibility for the violence that ensued, stating, “They didn’t come because of me. They came because of the election.”
Donald Trump also avoided acknowledging that he had directed his supporters to march to the Capitol, where violence later erupted. On that day, he told the crowd, “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,” while also implying that they needed to show strength to reclaim the country. Despite these statements, Trump emphasized at the town hall that he had instructed the crowd to act “peacefully and patriotically.”
Legal Battles and Differing Views on Donald Trump’s Responsibility
Donald Trump’s handling of January 6 has been the subject of multiple legal challenges. In federal court, prosecutors have argued that Trump deliberately incited his supporters to disrupt the electoral certification process. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s legal team contends that Trump’s actions were part of a broader effort to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s legal defense has pointed to his use of the words “peacefully and patriotically” in his speech as evidence that he did not intend to provoke violence.
Trump faces charges both in Washington, D.C., and Georgia related to election interference, though he has pleaded not guilty. He has consistently maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated, seeking to cast himself as a victim of the judicial system. Despite these legal battles, Trump remains the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, continuing to defend his actions on January 6 as justified and appropriate.
Trump Calls Jan. 6 a ‘Day of Love’ Amidst Ongoing Investigations
In a surprising comment at the town hall, Trump described January 6 as “a day of love,” despite the widespread violence and injuries inflicted on law enforcement officers. Trump downplayed the presence of firearms among his supporters, claiming there were “no guns” at the Capitol that day. This stands in stark contrast to evidence presented in court, which has shown that several rioters were armed, including individuals who have since been convicted of carrying firearms during the attack.
Trump’s description of the day as peaceful and loving has drawn significant criticism, especially from those who witnessed the violence firsthand. The House January 6 committee has presented testimony alleging that Trump was aware some in the crowd were armed before the assault on the Capitol. Over 1,500 individuals have been charged in connection with the riot, and more than 1,100 have been convicted, with sentences ranging from short jail terms to over two decades in prison. Despite these facts, Trump continues to portray the rioters as “patriots” and has promised to pardon many of them if re-elected in 2024
