Former US President Donald Trump has used a major political speech to once again allege the 2020 presidential election was "rigged", marking the fifth anniversary of the deadly Capitol attack.
Election Claims and Obama Attack at GOP Retreat
Speaking at the annual House Republican retreat on Monday, 6th January 2026, Trump launched a fierce broadside against Democrats and his predecessor. He criticised their policies in stark terms before turning his fire directly on former President Barack Obama.
"They have the worst policy," Trump stated. "How we have to even run against these people - I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election, because the fake news will say, 'He wants the elections cancelled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator. Nobody is worse than Obama."
Context of the Fifth Anniversary
The remarks carry significant weight as they were delivered on the fifth anniversary of the 6th January Capitol riot. That event in 2021 was sparked by efforts to overturn the 2020 election results that Trump lost to Joe Biden.
His latest comments represent a forceful reassertion of the disputed election narrative that has remained central to his political identity. Trump also repeated his familiar accusation of "fake news" against media outlets covering his statements.
Political Repercussions and Ongoing Narrative
By choosing this symbolic date to repeat the election fraud claims, Trump ensures the 2020 election integrity debate stays at the forefront of American politics. The location of the speech—a gathering of Republican lawmakers—also signals the continued grip of these themes on the party's base.
The direct attack on Obama, a figure who remains highly influential within the Democratic Party, is seen as an effort to draw a sharp contrast and energise his own supporters. Political analysts suggest such rhetoric is likely to define the tone of the upcoming election cycle, keeping historical grievances and partisan divisions firmly in the spotlight.
