Donald J. Trump, the former President, admitted on Wednesday that he had requested his Secret Service detail to take him to the Capitol after his speech at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021. This acknowledgment is a crucial detail that aligns with the findings of the House committee investigating the attack.
During a campaign rally in Waukesha, Wis., Mr. Trump referenced disputed testimony given to the House Jan. 6 committee by a White House aide. The testimony claimed that Trump had physically struggled with Secret Service agents, attempting to join the crowd of supporters marching towards the Capitol.
Mr. Trump recounted the conversation with the agents, stating that he expressed his desire to go down to the Capitol but was advised against it. He ultimately deferred to their judgment, indicating a cooperative tone in the dialogue.
President Biden’s campaign seized on Mr. Trump’s comments, emphasizing his intent to participate in the events that led to the Capitol attack. This highlights Trump’s efforts to overturn Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
This is not the first instance where Trump has mentioned his desire to go to the Capitol on Jan. 6. He has previously expressed regret at not marching alongside his supporters, citing his Secret Service detail as the hindrance.
Testimonies from individuals like Cassidy Hutchinson and Mr. Trump’s driver further shed light on the events surrounding Trump’s attempts to reach the Capitol on that day.
During the rally, Mr. Trump portrayed his requests to the Secret Service as casual interactions. However, in interviews with the House panel investigators, the driver highlighted the irritation in Trump’s voice during those discussions.
After returning to the White House, Trump watched the violence unfold on television, as confirmed by former administration officials. The storming of the Capitol by his supporters followed his speech at the Ellipse, where he propagated false claims about the election.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump hinted at the possibility of pardoning individuals convicted in connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. He also did not rule out the potential for political violence post the upcoming election.
