In newly released footage obtained by Politico, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is seen fiercely condemning former President Donald Trump during the chaotic aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack. The footage, captured by her daughter Alexandra Pelosi, was recently handed over to the Republican-led House Committee on Administration by HBO, which is conducting an investigation aimed at challenging the findings of the January 6 select committee.
The video reveals the intense moments after Pelosi was urgently removed from the House floor by Capitol Police and escorted through the Capitol tunnels to her waiting SUV. In the clip, Pelosi, visibly shaken, can be heard saying, “I just feel sick about what he did to the Capitol and the country today. He’s got to pay a price for that”, told NBC News.
HBO confirmed that the 10-minute clip of Pelosi’s evacuation was edited to remove incidental comments from her young grandson, who was with her during the evacuation. Despite the chaos surrounding her, Pelosi’s focus quickly shifted to the broader situation, as she immediately questioned whether then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had approved the request for the National Guard. Her chief of staff, Terri McCullough, confirmed that McConnell had indeed approved. Just moments later, a security official informed Pelosi that the pro-Trump mob had already breached the Capitol.
The footage also captures Pelosi’s frustration with Capitol security officials for forcing her evacuation, as well as her anger over their failure to anticipate the attack. Her criticism underscores the deep sense of betrayal and disbelief she felt in response to the events unfolding around her.
This video comes at a time when Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that if he regains the White House in November, he intends to pardon those involved in the January 6 riot. Pelosi’s words in the footage serve as a stark reminder of the emotional and political ramifications of that day, and her insistence that Trump should be held accountable resonates strongly with many who witnessed the attack on the Capitol.
As the footage circulates, it is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate over the January 6 insurrection and the accountability of those involved, including Trump himself. Pelosi’s raw emotions and pointed statements in the video highlight the gravity of the situation and the lasting impact it has had on American democracy.