According to partially redacted testimony the valet offered the committee, Trump seems to have asked about the response to his speech. “Sir, they cut it off because they’re rioting down at the Capitol,” the valet explained, according to his testimony. You’re very special.”In the immediate wake of the riot, there was no political room for Trump to offer his approval. But embracing the Jan. 6 rioters as victims and/or heroes also seems to better reflect how Trump considered the violence in the moment. He understands the political value of treating Jan. 6 rioters as victims.

Source: Washington Post June 11, 2024 00:00 UTC