Newly released footage has brought to light former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's unfiltered reactions to the events of January 6, 2021.
According to Mediaite, the video captured by her daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, shows the congresswoman's raw emotions and candid thoughts in the aftermath of the Capitol riot.
The footage, which first aired on CNN This Morning, captures Pelosi's determination to hold former President Donald Trump accountable for the events of that day. In one clip, she is heard saying that Trump "has to pay a price" for his actions, highlighting the intensity of her feelings about the situation.
In the video, Pelosi expresses frustration with the lack of preparedness for the events of January 6. She questions why the National Guard was not present from the beginning and criticizes the assumption that the protesters would behave in a civilized manner.
The former Speaker is heard saying to her staff, "We have responsibility, Terry. We did not have any accountability for what was going on there, and we should have! This is ridiculous!" This statement underscores her belief that there were significant lapses in security planning.
Pelosi's comments also reveal her disbelief at the expectations of those in charge of Capitol security. She pointedly asks, "They thought these people would act civilized?!? They thought these people gave a damn?!?" These remarks provide insight into her perspective on the motivations and behavior of the rioters.
The morning after the riot, Pelosi is shown working on a speech to address the nation. Her focus, according to the footage, was primarily on former President Trump. In a conversation with her staff, she emphasizes the importance of keeping the attention on the president's actions.
Pelosi states:
Let me just say this. I think our focus has to be on the president. Let's not differ. I've never liked Sund. I think he should have gotten quite a long time ago.
This quote demonstrates Pelosi's strategic approach to communication in the wake of the riot, prioritizing accountability for Trump over other aspects of the event.
The release of this footage comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the events of January 6. CNN reporter Sunlen Serfaty explained that the video was released to the House Committee on Administration by HBO.
According to Serfaty, the committee, now under Republican leadership, requested this video as part of their efforts to examine and potentially challenge the findings of the previous January 6 committee. This context provides insight into why this footage is coming to light now, nearly three years after the events it depicts.
The release of these videos offers a behind-the-scenes look at the reactions and decision-making processes of key political figures during a critical moment in recent American history. It sheds light on the emotional and strategic responses to an unprecedented attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The newly released footage of Nancy Pelosi provides a candid look at her reactions to the January 6 Capitol riot. Her comments reveal frustration with security preparations, a focus on holding former President Trump accountable, and a strategic approach to addressing the nation in the aftermath. The release of this footage by the Republican-led House Committee on Administration adds a new dimension to the ongoing examination of the events of January 6, 2021.
