Following the violence in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a number of Republican legislative officials who had justified and excused Donald Trump’s actions during his administration stated they felt he was to blame, according to public remarks and reporting at the time. Some others claimed he should resign or that they would vote to impeach and remove him from office if he didn’t.
Trump asserted that he was not to blame for what had occurred, and he continued to allege that the election had been stolen from him. Hard-line Republican caucus members and right-wing media claimed the violence was orchestrated by the Deep State or exaggerated by the liberal media, before shifting to the claim that those engaged were patriots being punished for engaging in political debate.
NEW: @GOPLeader is making calls this morning to key House Republicans, telling them that Trump is not angry with him.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 22, 2022
Another piece of evidence, if you needed it, that Trump’s approval is just about all that matters in the House GOP.
— me and @bresreports
According to recent polls, while Republican voters do not approve of the violence, a substantial majority believe the election was rigged and do not believe Jan. 6 should be examined. Trump is also the party’s front-runner for the 2024 presidential candidacy, with a high popularity rating.
In a phone discussion with fellow Republican leaders on Jan. 10, McCarthy said he felt an impeachment vote would succeed and that he planned to urge Trump to resign.
McCarthy’s public persona would quickly change. He decried the riots and claimed Trump carried “responsibility” for the violence in an address made from the floor of Congress on Jan. 13. However, he maintained that impeaching the president would split the country, and instead suggested that members vote on a censure motion. He’d reconcile with Trump by the end of January 2021, and he’s presently refusing to participate with a House committee examining the disturbance.
McCarthy released a statement on Thursday condemning the Times’ allegation as completely false and incorrect.
McCarthy’s spokesperson told the publication that McCarthy never stated he’d phone Trump and tell him he should quit.
