Recent closed-door congressional testimony by two former leaders of the D.C. National Guard indicates that Donald Trump’s intervention on January 6, 2021, might have expedited the deployment of National Guard troops to quell the Capitol riot. Michael Brooks and Brigadier Gen. Aaron Dean told House Administration Committee staffers that if Trump had called Pentagon leaders that day, he could have helped cut through the confusion and hastened the Guard’s arrival.
Missed Opportunity
Brooks highlighted the potential impact of Trump’s direct intervention, suggesting that a call from the president to the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of the Army could have expedited approval for deploying troops. However, there’s no evidence that Trump made any such calls on January 6. Instead, he was reportedly watching the events unfold on TV and reaching out to allies to contest the 2020 election results.
Testimony Insights
Brooks and Dean’s testimony, reviewed by POLITICO, underlines Trump’s inaction during the Capitol riot. Dean pointed out that if Trump had given the green light around 2 p.m., when the Capitol was breached, the Guard could have arrived sooner. Their statements echo the conclusion of the Jan. 6 select committee, which held Trump uniquely responsible for the violent attack.
Disputed Claims
Former Pentagon leaders, including then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, maintain that they acted swiftly on January 6. However, Brooks and Dean dispute these assertions, highlighting the lack of communication and clarity about deploying the Guard. Their testimony adds complexity to the understanding of the military’s response to the riot.
Implications and Responses
Brooks and Dean are set to testify publicly before a House subcommittee probing security failures during the Capitol breach. While their insights suggest a missed opportunity for Trump to influence the response, other witnesses, like Earl Matthews, downplay the potential impact of Trump’s intervention, citing trust in the chain of command.
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