The first year of Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office has taken a deeply concerning turn, with his administration officially rewriting the history of the January 6th Capitol riot. This move coincides with revelations that British forces played a key role in a recent US-led operation to seize a sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
An Orwellian Rewrite of History
Marking five years since the violent attack on the US Capitol, the official White House website has published a revisionist timeline of events, packed with what were once termed "alternative facts." The account describes the rioters, whom Trump pardoned upon his return to office, as "patriots" and "peaceful protesters."
It falsely claims that zero law enforcement officers lost their lives. In reality, five officers who served on January 6th died in the aftermath; four by suicide and one, aged 42, from strokes following exposure to pepper spray.
The website also labels Ashli Babbitt, a rioter shot while attempting to breach a barricaded door near the House chamber, as having been "murdered in cold blood" and names the officer involved. Official investigations found the shooting lawful and potentially life-saving for members of Congress.
Perhaps most starkly, a section entitled "BETRAYAL OF THE PRESIDENT: Mike Pence refuses to act" accuses the former Vice President of "cowardice and sabotage" for certifying the 2020 election result, rather than overturning it. The timeline asserts Trump "urged calm" between 2:24pm and 4:17pm, a period during which he in fact posted a message criticising Pence and as rioters stormed the Senate chamber.
UK's Role in Atlantic Tanker Interception
In a separate but significant development, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed its armed forces assisted the United States in intercepting the tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic near Scotland. The vessel, which had changed its name to Marinera and reflagged to Russia, was bound for Venezuela and pursued for weeks for evading sanctions.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated the action was "in full compliance with international law" and part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions-busting by a "Russian-Iranian axis." He emphasised the depth of the UK-US defence partnership, calling it "essential to our security."
Russia's Foreign Ministry had expressed concern over the "anomalous situation" surrounding its tanker prior to the seizure. The US had sanctioned the vessel in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo linked to Hezbollah.
Further Controversies from Trump's Washington
The administration's actions extend beyond historical revisionism. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is prepared to use military force to seize Greenland from Denmark if a purchase cannot be agreed, citing Arctic national security.
Domestically, a petty new rule states that placing a sticker over President Trump's face on newly redesigned National Parks passes—a popular protest—will void the pass. Meanwhile, in a symbolic blow, Jacob Chansley, the infamous "QAnon Shaman" from the January 6 riots, has turned critic, citing Trump's failure to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
These events collectively paint a picture of an administration willing to distort foundational facts of democracy while relying on traditional allies for strategic enforcement actions. The juxtaposition of the UK's operational support with the White House's revisionism presents a complex challenge for the transatlantic relationship, raising profound questions about the nature of the partnership moving forward.
