In her upcoming memoir, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recounts a pivotal moment amid the January 6 Capitol riots.
According to Daily Mail, the story unfolds as Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sought Vice President Mike Pence's cooperation in possibly invoking the 25th Amendment against then-President Donald Trump, an effort met by silence from Pence.
Former Vice President Mike Pence declined to engage in a crucial conversation with Nancy Pelosi regarding the potential removal of President Trump from office just after the violence at the Capitol.
Pelosi's retelling vividly depicts her multitasking household chores while waiting in line, highlighting the moment's urgency and domesticity. "Thankfully, [I was] at home so I could empty the dishwasher and put in a load of laundry," Pelosi recounted her home setting during the 20-minute wait.
In her memoir, "The Art of Power: My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House," Pelosi offers a comprehensive examination of Trump’s erratic behaviors, which she perceives as signs of mental instability. From abrupt exits in meetings to intense outbursts that disrupt discussions, Pelosi’s observations contribute to an unsettling portrait of the former president’s tenure.
"His repeated, ridiculous insistence that he was the greatest of all time," Pelosi adds, criticizing Trump’s self-aggrandizement.
Pelosi's descriptions extend beyond political maneuvers to include interpersonal interactions, where late-night calls underscored Trump's blunt misattributions of responsibility: “It's midnight. I think you should go to sleep,” Pelosi once responded to Trump during one such call.
Heightening concerns, Pelosi shares in the memoir how professionals worried openly about the president’s mental fitness. At a 2019 memorial service, she was informed by mental health professionals about their fears regarding Trump's psychological decline.
Pelosi highlights these professionals' distress: "[Doctors and other mental health professionals were] deeply concerned that there was something seriously wrong." The conversations and incidents outlined by Pelosi reveal a consistent pattern, accentuating her skepticism about Trump’s ability to lead effectively and safely.
Throughout her writings, Pelosi critiques Trump’s responses to significant crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and his general approach to governance and diplomacy. Her profound concerns about his behavior during critical public health discussions were exacerbated by his supposed denial of severity, which, according to Pelosi, delayed necessary responses and exhibited "his total separation from reality."
Pelosi's narrative extends a rare peek into the corridors of power during one of America’s most turbulent periods. Her memoir isn’t just a collection of recollections but a stern commentary on leadership in times of crisis.
The former speaker's reflections suggest a tenure rife with challenges, not just due to external factors like political opposition, but also because of the perceived instability within the very core of the executive branch.
This detailed recounting in Pelosi’s memoir underscores a fraught and frantic moment in U.S. history, serving as a reminder of the complexities and weight of decisions faced by leaders at the highest levels. Her perspective provides crucial insight into the arduous relationships and intense pressures that define the American political landscape.
