Republicans widely condemn Capitol mob, Trump over day's events


Republican lawmakers reacted to the storming of the Capitol with varying levels of condemnation on Wednesday, illustrating how deeply conflicted the party is over President Trump's ongoing promotion of unfounded election conspiracy theories.
Some, like Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), offered only the most tepid of statements: "Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line," he said. "The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job."
But most others, like Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), a Trump supporter, were far more forceful. "The president needs to call it off," he said, adding: "It's over. The election's over. And the objectors need to stop meddling with the primal forces of our democracy here."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), who has expressed concerns about voting problems but had not been posed to object to certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win, also forcefully condemned Trump's response to the crisis. "Unacceptable. Enough. Acknowledge Biden as president-elect and end this madness," Meijer tweeted. "Violent rioters laid siege to the nation's Capitol in an act of insurrection unparalleled in modern times. This is not leadership."
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), who was endorsed by Trump in 2019, also didn't mince words. "Today, the United States Capitol — the world's greatest symbol of self-government — was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard — tweeting against his vice president for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution," Sasse slammed, adding: "This is not how we peacefully transfer power."
Former White House communications director Alyssa Farah also spoke out and conservative publications published op-eds condemning the day's events. "Donald Trump unleashed a mob on Capitol Hill," wrote John Podhoretz of Commentary Magazine, adding: "Nancy Pelosi should call an emergency session of the House tonight and impeach the president, and Mitch McConnell should convene the Senate tomorrow and call a vote to remove Trump from the presidency."
The National Review echoed the sentiment. "The nauseating scene in Washington, D.C., is Trump's fault," wrote Michael Brendan Dougherty.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Cary Arms & Spa: a secluded coastal retreat in South Devon
The Week Recommends Perched above Babbacombe Bay on the English Riviera, this tranquil inn is the perfect bolthole for a weekend by the sea
-
Sail in style onboard the brand-new Explora II
The Week Recommends Hit the high seas on a luxury cruise from Barcelona to Rome
-
Is the EU funding Russia more than Ukraine?
The Explainer EU remains largest importer of Russian fossil fuels despite sanctions aimed at crippling Kremlin's war effort
-
Starving Gazans overrun US-backed food aid hub
speed read Israeli troops fired warning shots at the Palestinians
-
Israel's Western allies pull back amid Gaza escalation
speed read Britain and the EU are reconsidering allegiance with Israel as the Gaza siege continues
-
Trump drops ceasefire demand after Putin call
speed read Following a phone call with Russia's president, Trump backed off an earlier demand that Putin agree to an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine
-
Pro-EU centrist beats Trump acolyte in Romania vote
speed read The mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, defeated hard-right nationalist George Simion in the race for Romania's presidency
-
Israel-US 'rift': is Trump losing patience with Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question US president called for an end to Gaza war and negotiated directly with Hamas to return American hostage, amid rumours of strained relations
-
Kurdish PKK militia to disband for Turkey talks
speed read The Kurdistan Workers' Party will disarm after four decades of armed conflict with Turkey, putting an end to 'one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East'
-
US, China agree to lower tariffs for 90 days
speed read US tariffs will fall to 30% from 145%, while China will cut its tax on US imports to 10% from 125%
-
India strikes Pakistan as tensions mount in Kashmir
speed read Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it an 'act of war'