Trump's Role in the January 6 Insurrection: Fact or Fiction?

The Reality of the January 6 Insurrection

There was no insurrection on January 6. This is a falsehood perpetuated by those who wish to deny the events of that day. The January 6 insurrection was a coordinated and violent attack on the United States Capitol, the seat of our democratic government. Anyone who argues otherwise is a disingenuous liar.

The term used to describe the events of January 6 is a political rally or protest. The individuals present were there under false pretenses, and many have been charged with crimes such as trespassing. The media, in this context, functions as the public's primary source of news and information. The rush to label these events as an insurrection is a smear tactic aimed at those who, like myself, see the events for what they were - a protest marred by violence and disorder.

Donald Trump's Role in Legal and Political Manipulation

The events leading up to January 6 began much earlier, in 2020. Trump planted the seeds of his stolen election theory even before the election outcomes were clear. This theme has been central to his efforts to remain in power and maintain his financial and legal security.

Trump set the stage for the January 6 insurrection long before the day itself. He falsely tweeted about election results in 2016, leading up to the 2020 election, suggesting that the results could not be trusted. He have consistently attributed Democratic victories to election fraud, which is not supported by evidence. In 2020, he actively worked to sow distrust in the democratic process and his supporters rally around the unfounded belief that the election was stolen.

Strategic Planning and Orders for the Insurrection

Trump's strategic planning for the insurrection went beyond rhetoric. He ordered a legal team and his campaign to investigate fraud and institute legal challenges. These efforts were based on unfounded beliefs and proceeded even after clear expert assessments indicated no fraud. Trump also ordered the DOJ to investigate fraud claims, another indication of his grand scheme to maintain power.

On the day of the insurrection, Trump further pushed the agenda by encouraging a 'wild' rally that would march on the Capitol. The goal was to convince Vice President Pence to illegally suspend the counting of electoral votes or reject certain state votes. This rally was orchestrated to create a sense of urgency and to create a chaotic environment that would force a change in the outcome.

Weaponization and Propaganda

The day of January 6, there was evidence of tactical gear and weapons among participants. Trump had successfully orchestrated a plan where participants were not only there to protest but also potentially to engage in violence. This is evident in the distribution of strategic tours and instructions to capture key Congressional buildings. The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, two extremist groups, were among those involved in this chaotic and dangerous march on the Capitol.

When the riot began, Trump initially refused to call it off, instead blaming Vice President Pence and accusing him of getting what he deserved. This shows a lack of concern for the lives lost and the destruction caused on that day. Tragically, the day ended with testimony indicating that some participants had hidden stashes of weapons in case they were successful in their objective.

The aftermath of the insurrection saw Trump not only refuse calls to step down, but also attempt to purge his administration of any figures who might challenge his false narrative. He removed people like Barr, Secretary of Defense Esper, and his political campaign manager Stepien. He even tried to remove the new Attorney General Donaghue, offering the position to Kenneth Clark, who had written a coup memo.