Former US President Donald Trump has made a controversial claim that the DC National Guard was "ready to keep him safe" during the January 6 Capitol riot, despite widespread evidence that security forces were overwhelmed during the attack.
In recent remarks, Trump suggested he had assurances of protection from the military unit, stating: "They were prepared to do whatever was necessary." This statement has reignited debate about Trump's actions and communications with security officials during the violent insurrection.
Security Failures Under Scrutiny
The January 6 attack saw thousands of Trump supporters storm the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Multiple investigations have highlighted significant security failures, including delayed deployment of the National Guard.
Trump's latest comments appear to contradict testimony from former officials, including then-Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, who stated that Trump never directly contacted him about deploying the National Guard during the crisis.
Political Fallout Continues
The former president's remarks come as:
- Congressional investigations into January 6 continue
- Multiple participants in the riot face criminal charges
- Questions remain about Trump's own potential legal exposure
Political analysts suggest these comments may represent an attempt by Trump to reshape the narrative about his role in the events, as he considers another presidential run in 2024.
