The supporters of Donald Trump who invaded the Capitol on January 6 were “Full of lies” and “Incited” to act by the outgoing US president “And other powerful people”, said the influential Republican Majority Leader in the US Senate, Mitch McConnell, on Tuesday (January 19).
In his speech, he also denounced the “Violent criminals who tried to prevent Congress from doing its duty”, by disrupting the session devoted to the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election. “They tried to use fear and violence to interrupt the proceedings”, But “We persevered” and the Democratic president will be sworn in on Wednesday, as scheduled, he said. “Then we will continue to move forward” and work for Americans, he promised.
“Rioters, insurgents, white supremacists”
Democrat Chuck Schumer, who will soon succeed him as senatorial majority leader, shared his analysis. “Rioters, insurgents, white supremacists and domestic terrorists have tried to prevent the transfer of power. They were prompted [à agir] by the President of the United States in person ”, did he declare. But “They failed”, he continued, and “The peaceful passing of the torch will take place tomorrow as has been the case for generations”.
In the twilight of his tenure, Mr. Trump faces a second impeachment, for “Incitement to insurgency” : a first for a president in the history of the United States. His impeachment trial must now take place in the Senate. Mr. McConnell, who until then had been one of the Republican billionaire’s strongest allies, said he did not rule out voting in favor of the latter’s guilt.
Our selection of articles on the presidential election in the United States
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