The House select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol held its seventh hearing on Tuesday, presenting evidence that painted a chilling picture of American democracy under threat. Chairman Bennie Thompson opened the session by emphasising the fragility of democratic institutions, as the committee detailed events leading up to the assault.
Central to the hearing was a chaotic Oval Office meeting on 18 December 2020, described by former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson as 'unhinged'. During the meeting, Trump allies including Rudy Giuliani, Michael Flynn and Sidney Powell pushed for the seizure of state election machines by the military. The session nearly descended into fisticuffs, with Giuliani reportedly telling Trump's advisers: 'You're a bunch of pussies.'
Following the meeting, Trump tweeted at 1.42am on 19 December 2020, urging supporters to come to Washington on 6 January 2021. The committee presented evidence that this tweet was interpreted by far-right groups as a call to arms. One Trump supporter posted: 'Trump just told us all to come armed. Fucking A, this is happening.' Another referenced a 'red wedding' from Game of Thrones, implying mass violence.
Representative Jamie Raskin highlighted the role of social media in mobilising extremists, noting that Trump's tweet motivated the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to coordinate their activities. A Twitter employee testified that the president's direct communication with such groups was unprecedented and seen as an invitation to fight for his cause.
The hearing also featured testimony from a former believer in the 'big lie' who participated in the riot. The committee warned that if Trump runs again, no one will be safe, underscoring the ongoing threat to democratic processes.
