On January 6, 2021, then-President Donald Trump addressed a crowd near the White House following his 2020 election loss. He urged supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol "peacefully and patriotically," but also emphasized the need to "fight like hell" to preserve the country.
Events Unfold
Shortly after Trump's speech, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, leading to ongoing legal implications. Trump's attempts to overturn the election are now central to a federal election subversion case, currently stayed during the appeals process.
3rd Anniversary in Iowa
On the third anniversary of January 6, Trump spent the day in Iowa, using the events as a rallying cry before the Jan. 15 GOP caucuses. He referred to those charged in the Capitol attack as "J6 hostages" during a rally in Iowa, expressing his belief that they were treated unfairly.
Legal Actions and Claims
Trump lamented the imprisonment of those who breached the Capitol, considering it "one of the saddest things in the history of our country." He expressed willingness to grant clemency to a "large portion" of them.
Post-Assault Statistics
In the three years since the Capitol assault, federal prosecutors have charged over 1,265 defendants nationwide, securing convictions for more than 460 individuals. Trump's claims of election fraud have faced rejection in at least 60 court cases.
Trump's Symbolic Embrace
Trump's unique approach to the January 6 narrative includes his campaign walk-up song, featuring the "J6 Prison Choir" singing the "Star Spangled Banner." This symbolizes Trump's perspective as he recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
2024 Campaign Focus
As the 2024 presidential cycle approaches, both Trump and President Joe Biden incorporate the aftermath of the 2020 election into their campaign messages. Biden portrays Trump as a threat to democracy, emphasizing the Jan. 6 attack in his campaign events.
Political Exchange
Trump counters Biden's narrative, accusing him of being the true "threat to democracy" and alleging weaponization of the Justice Department. Trump's GOP primary challengers are becoming more vocal in condemning Trump's role in the Jan. 6 events.
Varied Opinions
Some within the GOP, like Nikki Haley, label January 6 as a "terrible day" and emphasize accountability. Florida Gov. DeSantis suggests the attack wouldn't have happened under his watch, asserting his confidence in winning the election.