Former aides of Donald Trump have reportedly revealed that the former president was unwilling to take action to stop the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, according to sources familiar with the matter. The information was shared with special counsel Jack Smith’s office during their investigation into the attack. Among those who spoke to investigators was Dan Scavino, Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, who stated that Trump was very angry on that day, but his anger stemmed from the false belief that the 2020 election had been stolen from him.
Scavino further disclosed that Trump displayed a lack of interest in intervening to quell the violence during the riot. According to ABC News, Scavino said that Trump simply was just not interested in doing more to stop the riot despite advice from Scavino and other officials to post a statement calling for calm on social media. Additionally, the former president shared a post that criticized then-Vice President Mike Pence, falsely claiming that Pence lacked the courage to take necessary actions.
Another former aide, Nick Luna, recalled a moment when Trump was informed about the need to move Pence to a secure location. Luna stated that Trump dismissively responded, So what?. These revelations shed light on Trump’s supposed unwillingness to take action to control the situation and protect those present at the Capitol.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted the significance of these testimonies, noting that they come from Republican aides, underscoring that not only Democrats but also individuals within Trump’s own party are critical of his actions surrounding the events of January 6. Pelosi referenced the House committee that investigated the attack, emphasizing that multiple facets of the incident have been scrutinized by Republicans themselves.
The statements from Trump’s former aides have raised further questions about his handling of the Capitol riot and whether more could have been done to prevent the violence. The revelations provide insight into the mindset of the former president during the moments leading up to and during the attack. As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining the extent of Trump’s involvement and responsibility in the events that transpired that day.
