On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol. It triggered an insurrection inside the halls of Congress as he sought to reject his loss in the 2020 presidential election. President Trump returned to social media after he was seized from his accounts to call for a moment of “healing and reconciliation”. He delivered a video message and said, “Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem”. Point to be noted that the recent move came days before the end of his one-term presidency as lawmakers prepare to remove him from office. President said that the rioters who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy.
President Trump added, “To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. To those who broke the law, you will pay”. His remarks are in stark contrast to the messages he gave his supporters as they terrorized the Capitol. He alleged his vice president Mike Pence of disloyalty, falsely insisted that the election was stolen from them, and expressed no urgency to condemn the violence in their wake, instead of telling them he loves them and that they are special. The President said in his pre-recorded message from the White House that he immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement, leaving lawmakers and staff barricaded in House and Senate chambers and offices.
Trump also said, “We have just been through an intense election, and emotions are high, but now, tempers must be cooled and calm restored. My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing I was fighting to defend American democracy”. It is noteworthy that at least 4 people have died from the chaos on 6th January 2021, including a woman shot by Capitol police and 3 people who died from medical emergencies. He added in his video message and said, “Now Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on 20th January 2021. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power”.