On January 6th, 2021, the world saw an unprecedented siege take place on the US Capitol. A beacon of democracy across the western world was under attack; since then there has been multiple allegations made towards former President Donald Trump regarding his part to play during and leading up to the march on the Capitol.
The congressional panel investigating Mr. Trump has accused him of a “multi-part conspiracy” aimed at attempting to overturn the election results three months prior. The report spanning 845 pages, heavily implies that the former president is one of the key conspirators involved in the Capitol attacks. Whether intentional or an indirect result of his choice of words and actions is open for debate among the American public. However, this damning report states clearly that he had a role to play.
While not holding any legal power to stop Mr. Trump from running again, the panel recommends banning him from public office.
What makes this panel so significant and damaging to the Trump name is the sheer number of witnesses interviewed and that two Republicans have joined seven Democrats to create this panel. The Republican members aren’t just two unknowns either; former Vice President Dick Cheney’s daughter, Liz Chaney, and one of the ten Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump, Adam Kinzinger, have played a key role in this report.
The rise of populism and Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) rhetoric has normalised the extremes in everyday politics. If a few years ago (pre-Trump), someone was to tell me that a cross-party committee in the United States will be working together to investigate an attack on the US Capitol, with armed men storming through offices and hallways searching for politicians; some of whom intend to do harm. – I wouldn’t have believed a word.
Below are some key facts and findings from the report into the January 6th Capitol attack. The full executive summary is published and available for those who may be interested in reading in further detail. A total of 17 key findings have been reached by the panel.
– 1,000 witnesses were interviewed, including Trump family members, administration officials, Capitol police officers, rioters, and others.
Trump placed pressure on his vice president to overturn the election results. Witnesses stated then Vice President Mike Pence was called a “wimp” by Donald Trump. “Do the right thing” is another quote taken from Mr. Trump addressing a crowd on January 6th, alluding to a controversial interruption of the US Constitution, which led him to believe that Pence could have declared him as the victor in the election despite the results, given his title as Vice President gives him the authority to preside over the election certification.
President Trump has been referred to the Department of Justice for helping or aiding in an insurrection. The panel has also recommended that Mr. Trump should be barred from running or holding any role in public office again.
A major argument in the report suggests that Mr. Trump ignored several warnings coming from Congress that an attack was taking place, as well as a refusal to take action as the attacks were unfolding.
Trump’s election denial rhetoric and claims of fraud sparked outrage bringing rioters to the Capitol.
A tweet made on the 19th of December 2020, in which Mr. Trump cites his intention to cause disruption – “Big protest in DC on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!” – this message was taken as a literal instruction by many of his devoted followers.
The committee sees Trump’s decision to declare victory before the results fully came in as “premeditated”.
“Today, I am perhaps most disappointed in many of my fellow conservatives who know better, those who stood against the threats of communism and Islamic terrorism but concluded that it was easier to appease Donald Trump or keep their heads down. I had hoped for more from them.” A very emotive and condemning quote taken from Liz Cheney, the Vice Chair of the committee.
Far-right extremist’s groups such as the Proud Boys and The Oath Keepers played a key role in the planning and execution of the siege.
