Former aide Cassidy Hutchinson implicates Trump in the Capitol violence, revealing disturbing details about his actions and state of mind.
The January 6 Committee’s surprise hearing has brought forward explosive testimony that directly implicates former President Donald Trump in the violence that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Special Assistant to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, provided damning revelations about Trump’s actions before and during the Capitol riot.
Hutchinson revealed that Trump was briefed on intelligence reports warning of potential violence and yet pressed ahead with his rally, where he encouraged his armed supporters to march to the Capitol. Despite knowing that some of his supporters were carrying weapons and wearing body armor, Trump insisted that magnetometers be removed, showing a blatant disregard for security and the well-being of others.
The testimony also included a disturbing account of Trump’s actions on the day of the riot. Hutchinson described how Trump physically assaulted a Secret Service agent when he demanded to go to the Capitol, a request that was denied. Furthermore, Trump’s lack of urgency in addressing the violence and his tweet attacking Vice President Mike Pence while the Capitol was under siege painted a chilling picture of his leadership during the crisis.
The hearing has raised significant questions about Trump’s role in inciting the violence and his failure to act in real-time to stop the chaos. In the aftermath, figures like Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows reportedly sought presidential pardons, further suggesting their involvement in actions they feared would lead to legal consequences.