On Wednesday, President Trump posted a speech to Twitter using the White House official account, condemning the violence in the U.S. capitol last week, calling for peace, and discouraging any further acts of violence.
In his speech, the President said, “My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the troubling events of the past week. As I have said, the incursion of the U.S. Capitol struck at the very heart of our Republic.” He continued and said, “it angered and appalled millions of Americans across the political spectrum. I want to be very clear: I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week.”
President Trump releases video offering his most forceful condemnation yet of last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol: "I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week, violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country." https://t.co/CNlt0thTrv
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 14, 2021
Trump also emphasized that violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country and our government. He said that the Making America Great Again movement has constantly been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women of law, and upholding the country’s most sacred traditions and values.
“Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for,” Trump said.
After condemning the mob that breached the Capitol, Trump then started to denounce supporters who endorsed political violence, saying that “No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence.” He added that his true supporter would never disrespect law enforcement or the American flag and threaten or harass their fellow Americans.
The left in America has incited FAR more political violence than the right.
For months our cities burned. Police stations burned. Our businesses were shattered-they said NOTHING, or they cheered it, fundraised for it and allowed it to happen in the greatest country in the world. pic.twitter.com/rz3tRePlFG
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 13, 2021
“If you do any of these things, you are not supporting our movement. You’re attacking it, and you are attacking our country. We cannot tolerate it,” The President said.
Trump then talked about how the past year was so difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic. The riots and violence spiraled out of control in different parts of the country, and there were many acts of intimidation and destruction that occurred. He then said, “It must stop. Whether you are on the Right, or on the Left, a Democrat or a Republican, there is never a justification for violence. No excuses, no exceptions.”
In his speech, he also talked about how those who engaged in the attacks last week will be brought to justice. He then asked everyone who believes in his agenda to think of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers, and aid in promoting peace in our country.
He then announced the report that there might be an additional demonstration that would occur in the coming days in Washington and on other parts of the country, according to what the U.S. Secret Service have briefed him.
My statement on last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol, the threat of additional violence in the coming days, and the need to ensure an orderly transition of power: https://t.co/iq13Emo3vg pic.twitter.com/DCIiqZZssV
— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) January 12, 2021
“Every American deserves to have their voice heard in a respectful and peaceful way. That is your First Amendment right.” But I cannot emphasize that there must be no violence, no law-breaking, and no vandalism of any kind. Everyone must follow our laws and obey the instructions of law enforcement,” the President said.
In his speech, President Trump also addressed how the censorship of political Left and tech companies are “wrong” and “dangerous.”
He said, “What is needed now is for us to listen to one another, not to silence one another. All of us can choose by our actions to rise above the rancor and find common ground and shared purpose. We must focus on advancing the interests of the whole nation, delivering the miracle vaccines, defeating the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, protecting our national security, and upholding the rule of law.”
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 13, 2021
To conclude his speech, the President called on all Americans to overcome the passions of the moment and join as one American people. “Let us choose to move forward united, for the good of our families, our communities, and our country. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America,” Trump said.
