On Tuesday (January 12), outgoing President Donald Trump spoke directly to reporters for the first time since the insurrection at the US Capitol.
While making the walk from Marine One to Air Force One on his journey to Texas to examine the border wall progress, Trump spoke briefly to reporters, denying responsibility for deadly violence that took place last Wednesday (January 6).
“If you read my speech –– and many people have done it and I’ve seen it both in the papers and in the media, on television, it’s been analyzed –– and people though that what I said was totally appropriate,” Trump said, referring to the inflammatory remarks he gave to a mob of his supporters just hours before the Capitol siege.
He went on to blame Democrats for the current impeachment underway, which he called a “witch hunt” for inciting “anger” among people. He made no mention of the growing number of Republicans calling for his immediate removal from office.
“This impeachment is causing tremendous anger and you’re doing it, and it’s really a terrible thing they’re doing. For Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to continue on this path, it’s causing tremendous danger to our country, and it’s causing tremendous anger,” he said before quickly adding, “I want no violence,” as he started walking away.
Trump had originally come out hours after the violence on the Capitol started saying he loved his supporters, even calling them “special.”
Lindsey Graham, who claimed to be “done” with Trump last week after Congress returned to the Capitol to continue certifying the election, was traveling with him today (January 12) on Air Force One.
There are private reports that some Republicans want to see Trump take responsibility for the attack, and his continued refusal may make them join the Democrats in moving forward with the impeachment and other avenues for his removal.
Congress could vote as soon as Wednesday (January 13) morning on whether they’ll be moving forward with the impeachment process.
Photo: Getty Images