The former president minimizes his involvement and deflects responsibility during a presidential debate.
During the first presidential debate on Thursday, former President Donald Trump downplayed his role in the January 6th Capitol attack, stating that he was merely asked to give a speech and that some of the rioters were “innocent.” Trump, who faces federal criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, dismissed any responsibility for the violent events, asserting that his time in office had been marked by significant achievements, including lower taxes and a respected international standing.
Trump’s rhetoric surrounding January 6th has been heavily scrutinized, especially his claim that his “wild” tweet on December 19, 2020, triggered planning by far-right extremists. Despite the events unfolding as he encouraged his supporters to gather in Washington, Trump described his involvement as passive, suggesting that he simply responded to requests for a speech.
He also referenced the National Guard, claiming to have offered 10,000 troops to protect his supporters. However, this claim has been disputed by the Jan. 6 Committee, which found no evidence that Trump directly offered the troops to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. While Trump did discuss the possibility of using National Guard troops, the specifics of his involvement have been questioned, and no clear evidence supports his assertion.
In his debate comments, Trump also took aim at Pelosi, suggesting that she was responsible for the lack of preparedness among Capitol Police. He referred to a video released by House Republicans, showing Pelosi discussing accountability for the police’s failure to handle the January 6th assault. However, Pelosi’s spokesperson responded, calling out the cherry-picking of out-of-context clips, and reiterated that Pelosi was not planning any harm to herself or others.
The debate marked an ongoing effort by Trump to deflect responsibility for the Capitol attack. His comments about the rioters suggested that some were “innocent” or were misled, a claim that has faced significant criticism. Multiple investigations and criminal cases have shown that Trump’s supporters played a central role in the violent storming of the Capitol, an event that led to the deaths of several people, including law enforcement officers.
In the weeks following the 2020 election, Trump spread false claims of voter fraud, leading to the storming of the Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021. His actions and statements have led to multiple criminal investigations. As Trump continues to face legal battles, his rhetoric during the debate is likely to further fuel the ongoing political divide surrounding his involvement in the attack.
Ultimately, Trump’s attempt to downplay his role in the January 6th attack reflects his broader strategy of distancing himself from accountability. His words are likely to continue to fuel debates on the extent of his responsibility for the events of that day, as both his supporters and detractors look for clarity in the aftermath of one of the most consequential days in modern U.S. history.
