Trump Condemns Capitol Violence In Video Message Amid Impeachment Calls
- 4 years ago
On Thursday Donald Trump involved "healing and reconciliation" and said he would turn his focus to the transition, during a message that appeared designed to quell growing alarm among even his closest allies and aides.
President Donald Trump, during a video message on Thursday night, condemned the storming of the U.S. Capitol -- which occurred after he urged his angry supporters to require action -- and said he would steel oneself against the administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
"The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of yank democracy," Trump said of the violence, which left several people dead. "To those that engage within the acts of violence and destruction: you are doing not represent our country. And to those that broke the law: you'll pay."
The video followed a wave of resignations from his administration and calls from top congressional Democrats, former White House aides, business leaders, and even the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal for Trump's removal from office over his role in inciting the insurrection. Members of Congress have also discussed impeachment.
Before throngs of his supporters marched on the Capitol, overwhelmed police barricades and broke into the building, Trump, during a fiery address at midday Wednesday, exhorted them to "stop the steal" and make a stand for his presidency. In egging on the mob, he repeated false claims of voter fraud whilst both houses of Congress were preparing to certify Biden's victory within the body vote.
But on Thursday Trump involved "healing and reconciliation" and said he would turn his focus to the transition, during a message that appeared designed to quell growing alarm among even his closest allies and aides.
"A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20th," Trump said. "My focus now turns to making sure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power."
The video was released late on each day of mounting demands for his immediate departure from office -- albeit his term ends on Jan. 20. They included involves his resignation, a replacement impeachment inquiry and for vice chairman Mike Pence to undertake extraordinary constitutional measures to oust him.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, said Pence and therefore the Trump cabinet should invoke the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which provides an avenue for the president to be removed. Pence hasn't responded, and Democrats floated impeachment proceedings as an alternate .
Trump's remarks within the video were a notable departure in tone from recent weeks, and therefore the first instance of Trump condemning the violence without also expressing solidarity together with his supporters or reiterating his many baseless charges of fraud . Shortly before the violence broke out, Trump told demonstrators he would "never concede" an election that he falsely claimed had been stolen.
The president also hinted at a possible second act in his political life, whilst the results of Wednesday's bloody riot continued to reverberate.
"Serving as your president has been the respect of my lifetime," Trump said, standing behind a lectern at the White House. "And to all or any my wonderful supporters i do know you're disappointed but I also want you to understand our incredible journey is merely just beginning."
The video was the primary post to the president's Twitter account since the social media network suspended him over his initial response to the violence Wednesday, during which he said he sympathized with the frustration of rioters.
While condemning the violence, the president was slow to involve his supporters to withdraw from the Capitol, whilst congressional offices were ransacked and enforcement officers were attacked.
Despite widespread frustration within the administration, many members of Trump's clique signaled Thursday they planned to serve out the remaining fortnight of his term.
Source: NDTV
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