US President Donald Trump distributed a video speech a few hours after his impeachment, but did not say a word about that historic second indictment. However, he seemed to be trying to save his skin in the coming trial by discarding all responsibility for past and imminent future violence. “No real supporter of mine could ever support political violence.”
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In his video message from the Oval Office in the White House, Trump called for unity on Wednesday night, saying that violence has no place in the US. Since his own social media profiles and YouTube channel have been banned – after initially saying the rioters are “very special” and he “loves them” – the video was posted by the White House.
The outgoing president spoke of the storming of the Capitol, which “struck the heart of the Republic” and “angered and shocked millions of Americans across the political spectrum.” The outgoing president says he “unequivocally condemns” the violence.
“Violence and destruction have no place in our country or in our movement. Making America Great Again has always been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women in law enforcement, and upholding our nation’s most sacred traditions and values. Gang violence goes against everything I believe in and what our movement stands for, ”Trump said.
“No real supporter of mine could ever support political violence. No true supporter of mine would ever show a disrespect for law enforcement or our American flag. No true supporter of mine would ever threaten or attack his fellow Americans. If you do such things, you are not supporting our movement, you are attacking it and you are attacking our country. We cannot tolerate it. ”
Black Lives Matter
Trump was also implicitly referring to the Black Lives Matter protests. “Unfortunately, in the past year – which was so difficult because of Covid-19 – we have seen political violence get out of hand,” Trump said. “We have seen too many riots, too many gangs, too many acts of intimidation and destruction. It has to stop. Whether you are right or left, a Democrat or a Republican. There is never any justification for violence, no excuses, no exceptions. America is a nation of laws. Those who took part in last week’s attacks will be executed. ”
Threat of additional violence
“Now I ask anyone who has ever believed in our agenda to think about ways to ease tensions, calm urges, and help promote peace in our country,” Trump said.
“There are reports that additional demonstrations are planned in the coming days, both here in Washington and across the country. I have been briefed by the United States Secret Service about the possible threats. Every American deserves to be heard in a respectful and peaceful manner. That’s your right under the 1st amendment. But I cannot stress (sic.) that there should be no violence, no breaking of laws, and no vandalism. Everyone must follow our laws and listen to the instructions of the law enforcement authorities. ”
“I have ordered federal agencies to use whatever means necessary to maintain order. In Washington DC, we are bringing thousands of National Guard members to secure the city and ensure that a transition can happen safely and without incident. ”
–Social media censorship
“Like all of you, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the Capitol disaster last week. I want to thank the hundreds of millions of incredible American citizens who responded at the time with calm, moderation and decency. We will get through this challenge, as always. ”
The president could not help but also refer to his Twitter, Facebook and YouTube ban: “I also want to talk about the unprecedented attack on freedom of expression that we have seen in recent days. These are tense and difficult days. The attempts to censor, cancel and blacklist our fellow citizens are wrong and dangerous. What is needed now is that we listen to each other, not to silence each other. We can all choose, with our actions, to rise above the ranks and find common ground and shared purpose. ”
“We must focus on advancing the interests of the entire nation, delivering the miracle vaccines, defeating the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, protecting our national security, and upholding the rule of law.”
Today I call upon all Americans to overcome the passions of the moment and come together as one American people. Let’s choose to move forward united, for the benefit of our families, communities and our country, ”Trump concluded.
Nothing about impeachment, but …
In his video message, he didn’t say a word about his second impeachment, which was voted in the House of Representatives a few hours earlier. And while he strongly condemned the riots at the Capitol, he also made it clear again that he does not feel responsible for what happened on January 6.
He seemed to be responding to the demands of several Republicans to urge his supporters not to commit further violence, now that the intelligence services are warning. Several of his party members had stated that they would otherwise hold their president responsible, as many already hold him openly responsible for the riots on January 6. Trump may want to prevent them from voting for his conviction in the upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate.
On Wednesday, ten Republicans in the House of Representatives already voted for his impeachment, and even Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is said to find an impeachment justified.
Shortly before the House vote, Trump had already issued a brief written appeal not to commit further violence. Also the day before, he stressed that he “never wants violence”, but did insist that his January 6 speech – which led to his incitement impeachment – was “totally appropriate”.
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