Former President Donald Trump was interviewed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” about his actions during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Host Kristen Welker questioned Trump about what he did after his speech at the “Stop the Steal” rally.
When asked about his location and actions during the start of the attack, Trump declined to provide specifics.
Welker then asked Trump about his activities when the Capitol was attacked. The former president referred to his statements from the Oval Office that day and a video message he released later.
In the video, Trump asked people to leave the Capitol and respect the police. “This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play into the hands of these people,” he commented on the video, reiterating his claim that the 2020 election results were not legitimate.
Regarding the timing of the message, which was released hours after the attack began, Welker asked, “That was 4 o’clock in the afternoon, three hours after the attack started. I want to know who you called on that day.”
Trump did not provide a direct answer and shifted the conversation toward the then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, indicating she was responsible for the security of the Capitol. “Frankly, just so you understand, I assumed that she took care of it,” Trump said.
Trump told the interviewer, ”I’m not going to tell you anything. I behaved so well. I did such a good job.”
Critics from both sides of the aisle, including Republican Chris Christie, have said Trump should have responded more promptly and strongly to the riot.
