Associated Press
Republican Donald Trump has launched his general election campaign not merely rewriting the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, but positioning the violent siege and its failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election as a cornerstone of his bid to return to the White House.
At a weekend rally in Ohio, his first as the presumed Republican Party presidential nominee, Trump stood onstage, his hand raised in salute to the brim of his red MAGA hat, as a recorded chorus of prisoners in jail for their roles in the Jan. 6 attack sang the national anthem.
An announcer asked the crowd to please rise “for the horribly and unfairly treated Jan. 6 hostages.” And people did, and sang along.
“They were unbelievable patriots,” Trump said as the recording ended.
Having previously vowed to pardon the rioters, he promised to help them “the first day we get into office.”
Initially relegated to a fringe theory on the edges of the Republican Party, the revisionist history of Jan. 6, which Trump amplified during the early days of the GOP primary campaign to rouse his most devoted voters, remains a rally centerpiece even as he must appeal more broadly to a General Election audience.
In heaping praise on the rioters, Trump is shifting blame for his own role in the run-up to the bloody mob siege and asking voters to absolve hundreds of them — and himself — over the deadliest attack on a seat of American power in 200 years.
And they’re not alone. Republicans in Congress are embarking on a re-investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack that seeks to shield Trump of wrongdoing while lawmakers are showcasing side theories about why thousands of his supporters descended on Capitol Hill in what became a brutal scene of hand-to-hand combat with police.
Five people died in the riot and its aftermath.
Taken together, it’s what those who study authoritarian regimes warn is a classic case of what’s called consolidation — where the state apparatus is being transformed around a singular figure, in this case Trump.
Jason Stanley, a philosophy professor at Yale, said in history the question comes up over and over again: How could people not have taken an authoritarian leader at his word about what was going to happen?
“Listen to Trump,” he said.
“When a coup against the democratic regime happens and it’s not punished, that is a very strong indicator of the end of the rule of law and the victory of that authoritarian movement,” said Stanley, the author of “How Fascism Works.”
“Americans have a hard time understanding that what happens in most of the world can happen here, too.”
Trump is facing a four-count federal indictment over Jan. 6 — charges he conspired to defraud Americans over his 2020 election defeat and obstructed the official proceeding in Congress to certify the vote for Joe Biden. As the Supreme Court considers Trump’s claim that he should be immune from prosecution, it’s unclear when the case will go to trial, raising the possibility it might not be resolved until after the election.
The initial House Select Committee on Jan. 6 found that Trump criminally engaged in a “multipart conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 Presidential Election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol and beating police.
More than 1,200 people have been charged in the riot, including far-right Oath Keepers and Proud Boys extremists, with hundreds convicted. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and attorney John Eastman face legal challenges over their work on the 2020 election.
Trump’s campaign, in response to an inquiry from The Associated Press, pointed to the work from the House investigators who are trying to show inconsistencies in the Select Committee’s probe and its star witness Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide who had a front-row seat to inner workings at the White House.
Trump’s National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Justice Department has spent more time prosecuting the former president and “targeting Americans for peacefully protesting on January 6th” than other criminals.
“President Trump will restore justice for all Americas who have been unfairly treated,” she said.
Even as Republicans worry privately that Trump risks turning off women and independent voters he would need in the General Election rematch against Biden, top aides have said there is only so much they can do as Trump is going to be Trump.
Over the weekend, Trump focused his attention on Liz Cheney, the former Republican Congresswoman, who was vice chair of the Select Committee and personally secured Hutchinson’s blockbuster 2022 testimony.
“She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!” Trump posted on social media.
Cheney posted in response — “Hi Donald: you know these are lies” — as she has worked to dispel falsehoods about Jan. 6.
“If your response to Trump’s assault on our democracy is to lie & cover up what he did, attack the brave men & women who came forward with the truth, and defend the criminals who violently assaulted the Capitol,” she said in one post, “you need to rethink whose side you’re on. Hint: It’s not America’s.”
Many Republicans are willfully ignoring the issue, especially in Congress, despite lawmakers having run for their lives and taken shelter as the rioters stormed the Senate chamber and ransacked Capitol offices.
Senators who sharply criticized Trump after the Jan. 6 attack, like Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and South Dakota’s John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, have now reluctantly endorsed him.
Others are still declining to endorse Trump, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment on the charge of inciting the insurrection for the Jan. 6 attack. But the holdouts are in the minority.
Appearing on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Cassidy would only say, “I plan to vote for a Republican for the presidency of the United States.”
One Republican willing to speak out is Mike Pence, the former Vice President, whom rioters shouted they wanted to “hang” that day as a makeshift gallows stood on the Capitol’s West Front.
“I was there on January 6th. I have no doubt in my mind … that some people were caught up in the moment,” Pence said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
“But the assaults on police officers, ultimately an environment that claimed lives, is something that I think was tragic that day,” Pence said. “And I’ll never diminish it.”
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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
25 comments
Earl Pitts
March 19, 2024 at 5:42 pm
He lied to the mob, he summoned the mob, he unleashed the disordered mob on a free and fair electoral process. He told them he won. Meanwhile, he was calling around asking for votes. Said, “I just need you to find X amount of votes, which is X more than we have.” That doesn’t sound like someone who thought he got the votes.
Earl Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
March 20, 2024 at 7:00 am
Good Morn ‘Ting “FAKE” Earl,
Of course you know this means you have just been placed under a painfull one (1) week Chastizement by ME, “The Real Earl Pitts American” for blastpheming my good name and Identy Theft. In addition, you wanker, I, The “REAL” Earl Pitts American” place you under a Painfull masturbation ban for one full week of pure misery for a wanker like you. These two (2) sentenaces are to run concurently and begin at 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time Today.
Thank you annoying wanker,
Earl Pitts “THE ONE AND ONLY REAL DEAL” American
JD
March 20, 2024 at 7:09 am
I, for one, am getting a tad worried that Earl Shitts has NOT done his duty. Earl, where’s that splattering of “sage wisdom” you keep promising? Get to “pulling” your weight and “get on the gun”.
Just looking out for your best interests.
Not your Lefty Besty.
Earl Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
March 20, 2024 at 7:44 pm
Thanks JD, dispite being an ill man that goes around telling everyone to kill themselves, you are still considered one of my Besty Leftys. As a token of our “Bestyness” I, Earl Pitts American, am sending you the collectable 2024 calandar featuring 12 extra hot pics of Earl in a “Crack Hideing” Thong.
Enjoy.
Thank ypu,
EPA
rick whitaker
March 20, 2024 at 1:59 pm
earl, i can’t believe you have finally admitted the truth about maga, i didn’t think you had it in you. it’s about time you loser. was that post your come to jesus moment?
Dont Say FLA
March 20, 2024 at 9:20 am
Is telling people what they want to hear the same thing as lying?
I would call it flattery. Yes, a form of lying, but c’mon man.
Am I really lying if I say your new hair style looks good on you when it doesn’t?
Agreed on the rest of your comment. “Lying” is the only word I’m not on board with since it was a specific, somewhat mitigated form of lying that’s generally acceptable.
But as is so often the case, flattery got Trump nowhere.
Jay Smif
March 21, 2024 at 12:51 pm
There should have been a thousand dead QAnon Ashlis littering the Capitol grounds the evening of January 6th, 2021.
Flash Light
March 19, 2024 at 5:50 pm
Dear DJT (and supporters):
You lost. We voted you out.
On January 6 you went too far. There are consequences to actions (didn’t your Mommy teach you that?) This country will be fine without you.
P.S. Seek professional help
Bernie Sanders 2024
March 19, 2024 at 6:15 pm
Trump needs a fist full of Fentanyl powder in the face.
Earl Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
March 19, 2024 at 8:56 pm
Good evening Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
STAND BY FOR SAGE NEWS:
You all know “The Donald” will proudly serve as POTUS fou the upcoming 4 year term. Then that will be backed up by “EIGHT STRAIGHT” years of “The Ronald” and his “Lovely Wife Casey” DeSantis in The White House.
Thats 12 years of Adult Control of our Great Nation.
Dont Worry, Dook 4 Brains Leftys, after our 12 years of fixing everything you “Child-Minded Democrats” have €ffed up I, Earl Pitts American, promise we will then allow one of your “Child-Minded” Dook 4 Brains Leftist Democrats a Four Year Term to just €ff things up a little bit.
AND THAT, AMERICA, IS TOTALLY FAIR CONSIDERING YOUR CHILD-LIKE MINDS, SEX PERVERSIONS, ANNOYING @SSHOLE PERSONALITIES, STINK BODY ODER, BAD BREATH, GROOMING, SHABBY DRESSING, STUPID EV DRIVING ….. AND ALL:
So all my Besty Leftys, Relax Your Sphincters, secure in the knowledge that Earl knows Whats Best and understands the “Simpleton Nature of your Brains”.
Have a great evening, my lefty childern, knowing that your “Daddy Earl” knows best.
I love you my “Besty Lefty Childern”,
Earl Pitts “Daddy Earl” American
rick whitaker
March 19, 2024 at 9:02 pm
CAUTION TROLL COMMENT BY EARL SPHINCTER BREATH SHITTS
Joe The Plumber
March 19, 2024 at 9:33 pm
Sounds fair Earl for what the left has done. Look at what Trump is doing – hes taking Democrats biggest weapon -Jan 6 retoric – and not just turning it on Democrats But actually rubbing their Jan 6 Hoax in Democrats faces.
Democrats Aint Got Shizx.
Joe The Plumber, Yeah THAT Joe The Plumber
JD
March 20, 2024 at 7:35 am
Only pervs want people other than their kids to call them “Daddy”. Pedo.
Flash Light
March 19, 2024 at 9:27 pm
Earl-bot, the garbage pail in any kitchen.
Earl Pitts "The Big Voice On The Right" American
March 19, 2024 at 9:41 pm
Weiner Light you are hereby Chastized for 3 days and also sentenced to a frustrating Masturbation Ban for 3 days to run concurrantly with your Chastizement.
Weiner Light tja Baileff will escort you out now and dont forget to see the Clerk on your way out to pay your fees.
Bailiff take that weiner light away from that fool.
Earl Pitts American
JD
March 20, 2024 at 7:37 am
So now it’s masturbation, along with his anus fetish. Pedo Pervert Earl Shitts. And you have the nerve to “chastize” the good left? Hypocrits.
Luke Shepherd
March 19, 2024 at 10:13 pm
Is this an Opinion piece or is the AP pretending it’s a news story?
Shameful. I remember a time not long ago when it was a trusted news organization.
Ron Forrest Ron
March 20, 2024 at 9:02 am
Ever consider the possibility that maybe the AP didn’t change and that it was you who changed?
If not, please do! Note: I am not saying you changed or didn’t. I am not saying the AP changed or didn’t. I am just saying a belief system that’s never reflected upon is too easily manipulated.
Everything you believe, take a moment now and then to make sure you’re right. Don’t just believe yourself. Denial is very big with us humans.
Everything you believe, especially what you believe the strongest, take a moment. “What if I’m wrong about this? What would that look like?”
rick whitaker
March 20, 2024 at 2:05 pm
luke, well you must have been smarter years ago when you trusted the truth. ap is good, your opinion, not so good. did you drink the maga koolaid?
Dont Say FLA
March 20, 2024 at 7:26 am
Trump’s current campaign strategy is evidently “I know you are but what am I”-ism.
What Trump is, today, shockingly the GOP’s candidate for President in 2024 despite loss after loss after loss for him and his people, could not possibly have been imagined by anyone involved in the rule of law when the 91 indictments against him started being built way back in 2021.
Trump thinks being in a race is his ace but it’s ridiculous on its face because there was no race when the wheels of justice started rolling slowly toward putting him in his place.
Trump 2024? N_ike Johnson, please!
Dancing Outlaw
March 20, 2024 at 7:35 am
Could somebody at the Trump campaign remind me again what he accomplished during his unelected, electoral-college-put-him-there-like-SCOTUS-put-Dubya-there term from 2016-2020? He promised to undo Obama and Obamacare, build that wall, drain the swamp, get out the wars, put America first, and ….?
Whatever all else he promised to do, I don’t recall him doing anything at all productive for anyone at all except billionaires and they only got their gains as side effects of him helping himself.
The only thing Trump did in term one was not to fulfill promises, but to live up to his own promise. The man is a total loser and he lived up to it daily during his so-called Presidential term.
Trump claims absolute immunity for him and all Presidents. Let’s see Biden take advantage of that and replace the 2 SCOTUS seats Mitch McConnell stole from Democrats by leverage his “absolute immunity” and ending their terms now while Biden has the Senate.
Even if the absolute immunity defense gets shot down by SCOTUS, and why wouldn’t they shoot it down rather than surrender their own power to Trump, Biden doesn’t have a large time span remaining on this planet, Biden still has that immunity to substantial punishment working for him.
Plus, at Biden’s (and Trump’s) octo-age, the years fly by. If Biden sat in prison till he croaked, it would feel like a weekend getaway for him. A getaway to Bernies.
If we must have an octo-President, could it be octo-mom? If she can handle eight babies, she can handle Congress.
Dont Say FLA
March 20, 2024 at 8:56 am
Trump’s other campaign promise was to “Lock Her Up.”
He failed to fulfill that promise. Hillary is free as a jaybird.
And now he’s promising again to “Lock Her Up” except this time around she is Joe Biden, so it’s “Lock Him Up, you know, the absolute immunity guy, the President, Lock Him Up.”
And the MAGAs will fall for it. Again. Evidently they cannot learn.
If only the MAGAs could learn that their own inability to learn is the reason for their own miserable lives….. /wish
Bouncy Balls
March 21, 2024 at 8:30 am
In other countries they execute traitors who attempt a coup and fail.
Can that really happen here?
Not likely, but death in prison is very possible for the con man with the false narrative in his head of “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” which never stops despite all failure.
Death in prison for the con man is very likely to happen unless the courts all delay until it’s too late and he somehow finds enough new suckers under enough rocks to win the Presidency, or convicted felon and Trump Campaign Boss Paul Manafort does what he does around the world and steals the USA’s election and gives it to Trump which is the opposite of how the last allegedly stolen election worked, with Republican Governors and Secretaries of State (in charge of elections) are supposed to have stolen the election but then, and this is where Trump’s story loses me, these Republicans who stole the election, gave it to the cat! I mean gave it to Democrats. Why would they do that? It doesn’t even make any sense at all. None.
The good news is that the con man killed 1.5 million of his own voters with vax denialism, 1000+ of them are now felons, most still in prison, and can’t currently vote.
Probably another 1.5 million of his voters, the elderly scam victim crowd, died of old age The bad news there is “Replacement.” When elderly scam victims die from old age, other folks age into elderly scam victim hood, possibly meaning no real loss there for Trump.
Elderly scam victim churn is likely not a loss for Trump’s voter count other than in the event of a declining population, assuming it was already declining organically without any effects from the pandemic. But I think “Boomers” are bigger than their preceding generation, so Trump might pick up votes there as Boomers age into elderly scam victims.
The safest path forward for USA (and the rest of the world) is for dementia to be cured before November, and the cure needs to be administered to all G0P voters over the age of 50.
It's not about age--look at the stats
March 23, 2024 at 9:06 pm
Yes many “boomers” who were successful and devoured the best this country had to offer in its most successful era are now are Trump devotees for reasons defying logic. But also many aren’t. Especially the educated ones who can read. Don’t make this about age. Ageism is a cancer. The problem of people who can’t think for themselves is actually more prevalent among younger voters, who control the tail wagging the dog independent voter contingent, many of whom vote based on who has better jokes and one liners on social media, is more entertaining, more outrageous, etc, vs someone who acts like a grown up. The “older” voters you talk about are guilty of operating on a trust status that was built on years of conservative values before MAGA took over, and may be guilty of confirmation bias based on past experience before the G0P lit itself on fire like a poop bomb. They also vote more locally for candidates they know, vs. being directed by top of ticket like most young people. So if you want to blame someone and be ageist, look at the stats for younger and middle aged voters who are eating up the MAGA monster truck show. I say just take age out of it and look at the facts before you start attacking entire groups of people out of ignorance in defense of what, tolerance? We’re never going to grow up and get past this insane era as a nation if we don’t start listening and acting rationally.
Dumpy Trumty
March 22, 2024 at 4:02 pm
Doesn’t Pepe The Frog (Orange is the new Green version) realize the Dems will also use the Jan. 6 attack a cornerstone of their bid for keeping the White House?
The Dems won’t even have to spin it. They can just replay news from that day in 30 second long commercial sized video bites.
Trump is making it too easy for them. It’s like he doesn’t even want to be President, just like that one time when he was President.
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