Three years have passed since the shocking events of January 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the peaceful transfer of power.
As the nation remembers that dark day, former President Donald Trump, the key figure behind the false claims of voter fraud that fueled the insurrection, addressed his supporters in Iowa.
Trump rallies base and defends Capitol rioters in Iowa speech
In his rambling speech, Trump did not delve into the events of that fateful day but instead focused on rallying his base for the upcoming elections and defending those imprisoned over their roles in the assault.
In a lengthy two-hour speech delivered in Newton, Iowa, Donald Trump chose not to address the events of January 6. Instead, he characterized those jailed for their involvement in the Capitol assault as “hostages.”
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He reiterated his intention to pardon many of them if he were to be re-elected in November.
Trump took the opportunity to mock President Joe Biden, his potential rival in the upcoming election.
Trump criticizes Biden’s policies and warns of World War III
He criticized Biden’s handling of the economy, border security, and the situation in Ukraine, asserting that he would have handled these issues differently.
Trump warned of the possibility of World War III if Biden were to win re-election, emphasizing that this election is the last chance to save America.
Continuing to perpetuate the false claim that he won the 2020 election, Trump confidently declared that he would win “for the third time” in November.
Despite facing impeachment for inciting insurrection and multiple felony charges related to his conduct during the Capitol violence, Trump remains the frontrunner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
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Trump criticizes President Biden in second speech
In another speech at a middle school in Clinton, Trump delivered a lengthy address in which he criticized President Biden’s age, competence, and alleged mismanagement of the country.
He painted a bleak picture of the United States, describing it as a “failing nation” and promising to restore it.
Trump holds a commanding lead over his rivals, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, in Iowa, where the Republican nominating contest, known as a caucus, is set to take place on January 15, marking the start of the 2024 primary season.
Trump’s supporters view January 6 as a “beautiful day,” and he has championed those imprisoned for their actions during the Capitol riot as “great patriots” and “hostages.”
Divergent views on January 6 and its aftermath
The false claim that the 2020 election was stolen has become entrenched among many Republicans, with some hard-liners in Congress suggesting that the Capitol riot was a “false flag” operation orchestrated by federal agents.
A recent poll found that 44 percent of Trump voters believe the FBI organized and encouraged the riot.
In contrast, Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have emphasized the need to hold those responsible for the events of January 6 accountable.
Vice President Kamala Harris warned of violence and chaos if those “who seek to dismantle our democracy” were to win.
Anniversary of January 6: Trump’s legal challenges and political divide
While the Senate acquitted Trump, a congressional investigation concluded that the Capitol violence was the result of a criminal conspiracy led by Trump to undermine the election.
The former president now faces multiple federal and state felony charges related to these events.
As the nation marks the anniversary of January 6, 2021, Trump’s speeches in Iowa underscore the continuing divide in American politics.
While Trump avoids addressing the past, Democrats see the events of that day as a crucial issue in the upcoming elections, highlighting the stakes for the future of American democracy.
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