Four years ago, if you’d asked most Republicans what they envisioned for 2025, few could have predicted what’s on the horizon this month. The same Capitol’s West Front where rioters once outnumbered the police, determined to force their way through and hunt for lawmakers, is now being prepped for the inauguration of Donald Trump—the man many hold responsible for inciting that 2021 chaos.
Back then, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was vocal in his disapproval. “All I can say is count me out, enough is enough,” he boldly declared on the Senate floor following the violent disruption. He, like numerous others, condemned Trump as the dust began to settle and it was safe for Congress—and Trump’s own Vice President, Mike Pence—to reconvene and affirm Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election.
Interestingly, within only a month, many Republican figures, feeling the pressure from Trump’s unwavering base, retracted their criticisms. Graham even found his way back into Trump’s circle, often seen hitting golf balls together.
Ever since that day, the GOP has oscillated between minimizing the January 6 violence and outright denial, with Trump labeling the mob as “great patriots” exercising their rights, or merely “tourists” at the Capitol. The air of absurdity fills the room as Americans are treated like unwitting extras in an old comedy scene: “Who you gonna believe, me or your own eyes?” But there’s nothing comedic about this distorted narrative.
As we mark this anniversary, it’s crucial to revisit the truths of that event and the days leading up to Biden’s inauguration. Highlighting the deceptive tales is imperative. Take, for instance, the recent claims by Republican Rep. Eric Burlison from Missouri. Speaking on Newsmax, he argued that the nearly 1,600 people charged for their actions on January 6 were somehow entrapped by the FBI into committing illegal acts.
It’s laughable—or would be, if it wasn’t so serious—thinking adults wouldn’t realize that attacking police with iron pipes, tasers, and various weapons, resulting in over 140 injuries and extensive property damage, is blatantly illegal. How can a party that claims to back law enforcement make such baffling defenses?
The answer lies in their allegiance, or perhaps fear, towards the upcoming president.
Despite everything, the voters have spoken, and Trump’s supporters have propelled him into office once more, with his first day in office expected to include pardons for those he’s dubbed “the J-6 hostages.”
In a surprising stance for a typically unempathetic leader, Trump recently told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that these individuals “have suffered long and hard.” First, he excused their violence against police with, “They had no choice,” before going on to claim officers themselves waved the rioters inside: “You had the police saying, ‘Come on in. Come on in.’” It’s clear where claims like Burlison’s find their roots.
Trump argues that Democrats and Republicans involved in the January 6 committee are the ones deserving of punishment. This, despite the committee’s findings that, as commander-in-chief then, he let the situation unfold for over three hours, seemingly passive as allies and aides urged intervention.
Echoing the committee’s final report: “There’s no question that President Trump could have halted the insurrection. He was the leader, not just of the military, but of the chaos itself.”
In response, Biden has awarded high civilian honors to Rep. Bennie Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney for their influential roles on the Jan. 6 committee, recognizing their dedication to the country over party agendas. Yet, Trump’s Justice Department might soon challenge these commendations.
For now, Biden aims to offer the very smooth transition Trump denied him in 2020. Welcoming Trump back at the White House meeting between incoming and outgoing presidents, Biden’s gesture underscores a commitment to restoring democratic norms—something Trump previously shunned as he rejected his loss.
The inauguration in 2021 was overshadowed by intense security due to fears of another upheaval aiming to thwart Biden’s taking office. The scene resembled a militarized zone with fencing, barricades, and around 25,000 National Guard personnel. Trump opted out of attending—among a rare few to skip their successor’s oath—but Pence was present. Now, as Trump assumes the oath again, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will witness the event alongside, although Pence will be notably absent, replaced by VP pick JD Vance.
Reflecting on those earlier ceremonies, Biden, addressing a vacant, flag-filled National Mall due to the pandemic and unrest, remarked, “We learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile.” Yet he affirmed, “At this hour, my friends, it has prevailed.”
As we approach January 20 again, democracy will indeed have its day. However, this triumph will occur despite—not because of—Donald Trump.
