On the fifth anniversary of the pro-Trump mob attack on the Capitol, the Trump administration launched a new page on the official White House website. This move represents the president’s most audacious attempt yet to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 riot, promoting false claims that aim to absolve him of any responsibility for the violence that transpired on that fateful day.
The newly created site shifts blame away from Donald Trump and instead targets Capitol Police officers who bravely defended lawmakers during the insurrection. It claims these officers were responsible for initiating the assault, while accusing Democrats—who were the main targets of the rioters—of failing to prevent the chaotic events. Additionally, it places former Vice President Mike Pence in the crosshairs for allowing the certification of the 2020 election results, which he steadfastly defended against falsehoods.
Mr. Trump has consistently attempted to minimize the violence and vandalism that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021, and this new webpage serves as a continuation of that narrative. Notably, the page has been promoted on official government social media accounts, giving it an alarming level of credibility despite its misleading content. It showcases a starkly distorted version of the Capitol attack, framing the events in a manner that undermines the gravity of the situation.
In a troubling omission, the webpage mentions several members of the pro-Trump mob who died during or in connection with the assault, identifying them by name. However, it completely disregards the nearly 140 police officers who suffered injuries while defending the Capitol. These officers faced a barrage of violence that included bear spray, stun guns, hockey sticks, fireworks, broken furniture, and even flagpoles adorned with the American flag. Furthermore, the page fails to acknowledge any of the officers who tragically lost their lives in the aftermath of the riot.
One particularly alarming claim made on the timeline states, “Zero law enforcement officers lost their lives.” This assertion starkly contrasts with the reality faced by those who were on the front lines during the Capitol attack, further illustrating the administration's efforts to mislead the public about the events of Jan. 6. Such statements not only distort history but also undermine the sacrifices made by law enforcement during a pivotal moment in American democracy.
As the fifth anniversary of the Capitol attack unfolds, the creation of this webpage underscores a disturbing trend of misinformation and historical revisionism that seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection. The implications of this move are significant, as it reflects ongoing efforts to manipulate public perception and absolve key figures from accountability.