Fact Check: Trump refused to activate D.C. National Guard during January 6 insurrection.

Fact Check: Trump Refused to Activate D.C. National Guard During January 6 Insurrection

What We Know

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Following the attack, various officials, including former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, claimed that requests for the National Guard to assist were denied multiple times. Sund stated that he made six requests for National Guard assistance, all of which were rebuffed by his superiors, who were concerned about the "optics" of deploying troops during a protest (NPR).

Additionally, it has been reported that Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested a limited presence of the National Guard, which was ultimately unarmed and tasked with traffic control rather than law enforcement (NPR). The D.C. National Guard was not deployed until hours after the Capitol was breached, with the first troops arriving approximately five hours later (NPR).

Conversely, transcripts released in September 2024 indicate that President Trump had met with Pentagon leaders prior to January 6, urging them to ensure safety and suggesting the use of the National Guard. However, these directives were reportedly ignored by Pentagon officials, who prioritized concerns about "optics" over immediate action (House Administration).

Analysis

The claim that Trump refused to activate the D.C. National Guard during the January 6 insurrection is complex and requires careful examination of the context and actions taken by various parties.

Sund's Testimony: Sund's assertions about his repeated requests for National Guard support are significant. His claims are corroborated by the timeline of events, which shows that the Capitol Police were overwhelmed and that requests for assistance were not acted upon promptly. Sund's resignation and his subsequent statements lend credibility to his account, although he may have biases stemming from his position and the circumstances of his resignation (NPR).
Pentagon's Response: The transcripts indicating that Trump directed Pentagon leaders to prepare for potential unrest further complicate the narrative. If Trump did indeed urge the use of the National Guard, it raises questions about why those orders were not executed. The Pentagon's focus on optics, as highlighted by Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt, suggests a disconnect between the President's directives and the actions taken by military leadership (House Administration).
Mayor Bowser's Role: Mayor Bowser's request for a limited National Guard presence also plays a crucial role in this analysis. Her desire to avoid a heavy military presence at the Capitol indicates a broader reluctance among local officials to escalate the situation, which may have influenced the response to Sund's requests (NPR).
Source Reliability: NPR is a reputable news organization, and their reporting on Sund's claims is based on direct interviews and official statements. The House Administration's release of transcripts is also a credible source, as it provides primary evidence of the discussions that took place between Trump and Pentagon officials. However, the context in which these transcripts were released should be considered, as they may be part of a broader political narrative (House Administration).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump refused to activate the D.C. National Guard during the January 6 insurrection is Partially True. While there is evidence that requests for the National Guard were denied by Capitol Police leadership and that Trump did express a desire for their involvement, the ultimate responsibility for the deployment appears to lie with Pentagon officials who did not act on his directives. The situation was further complicated by local political considerations and concerns about public perception.

Fact Check: Trump refused to activate D.C. National Guard during January 6 insurrection.