It seems like Trump is trying to reappropriate the term “insurrection” and spin it against his critics. He’s defending those charged in the riot and repeating baseless claims that left-wing or government interlopers caused the breach. This shows that Trump is attempting to minimize, justify, and deny the violence of the attack while also defending his supporters who committed it. Some people, like Myrna Neumann and Glenn Bayles, believe that it wasn’t an insurrection and repeat falsehoods popular in right-wing media. However, others, like Bill Halpin, are undecided on whether it was an insurrection or not. Political science professor Jennifer McCoy suggests that strong leaders making bold promises during times of tumult can draw people in and lead them to discount Trump’s own statements about how he would pardon rioters and punish his critics. She also mentions the need for courage within the Republican party to stand up against Trump’s actions. The situation has led some people, like Deb and Mark, to change their political affiliation from being lifelong Republicans to identifying as independents due to their condemnation of Trump’s actions on January 6th.
So what do you think? Is Trump really trying to reappropriate the term “insurrection”? Is he minimizing, justifying, and denying the violence of the attack? Are there still people who don’t believe that it was an insurrection? What impact does this have on the Republican party and its members? Let me know your thoughts!