Jan 6, 2021 · political
Trump tells 10,000+ supporters at Ellipse to fight like hell and march to Capitol
On January 6, 2021, President Trump delivers a 70-minute speech at the Ellipse near the White House to a crowd of more than 10,000 supporters as Congress meets to certify the 2020 Electoral College results confirming Joe Biden's election. Trump uses the word "fight" or variations 20 times; the speech's central call to action is: "We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore."
Trump also tells the crowd: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol. And we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women."
Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney, precedes Trump and calls for "trial by combat." Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) tells the crowd: "Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass."
Trump's speech runs from approximately 12:00 PM to 1:11 PM. Capitol Police are overwhelmed and the Capitol is breached at approximately 2:11 PM. Trump watches events at the Capitol on television in the White House dining room for 3 hours and 7 minutes without calling off the attack, according to the January 6 Committee.
Jan 6, 2021 · political
Trump speaks at Ellipse rally, directs supporters to march to Capitol
At noon on Jan. 6, 2021, President Donald Trump speaks at the "Save America March" rally on the Ellipse near the White House. He repeats false claims about election fraud, tells Vice President Mike Pence "had better fight for us," and directs the crowd to "walk down Pennsylvania Avenue" to the Capitol. He urges supporters to "fight like hell" or "you won't have a country anymore." The permit for the rally was amended from 5,000 to 30,000 attendees days before the event.
Dec 18, 2020 · political
Trump holds chaotic White House meeting with Powell and Flynn about seizing voting machines
On Dec. 18, 2020, President Trump holds an unplanned Oval Office meeting with outside advisers including Sidney Powell, Michael Flynn, and others. Powell urges Trump to seize voting machines and declare martial law. White House lawyers push back against the proposals. The meeting occurs hours before Trump tweets "Be there, will be wild!" about January 6.
