NBC News Politics: Trump’s Recasting of Jan. 6, Upcoming Special Elections & More
TL/DR –
Five years after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, former President Donald Trump is reportedly attempting to rewrite the narrative surrounding the event, using his platform to pardon those involved and launch an official White House page dedicated to his own account of the events. Meanwhile, special House elections are coming up in 2026, including in Georgia to replace resigning Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and in California following the death of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa. Lastly, Trump continues to falsely claim that the 2020 presidential election was “rigged”, and has suggested that Democrats would attempt to impeach him again if they regain control of the House in the midterm elections.
Welcome to From the Politics Desk, an online newsletter featuring the latest analysis from the NBC News Politics team about White House and Capitol Hill.
In this edition, Ryan J. Reilly explores how President Donald Trump is attempting to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Steve Kornacki previews upcoming special House elections.
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Rewriting Jan. 6 Capitol siege narrative: Trump’s attempt
Analysis by Ryan J. Reilly
Five years since attempting to overturn the 2020 election, President Donald Trump takes action to distort the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Trump pardoned Jan. 6 rioters on his first day back in office and fired Department of Justice officials and FBI agents involved in the investigation and prosecution.
The White House launches a webpage dedicated to Trump’s narrative, claiming that the protesters were peaceful, and it was the police response that heightened tensions.
Pence said on X that Jan. 6 was a “tragic day,” but it “became a triumph of freedom when the Capitol Police quelled the violence.”
Anniversary march: Pro-Trump demonstrators gathered near the Capitol today.
Previewing 2026\’s special elections
Two House special elections emerged today, each distinct in nature.
The seat, likely to remain Republican, is a blend of rural north Georgia and expanding Atlanta exurban sprawl, which voted for President Donald Trump by 37 points in the 2020 and 2024 elections.
The sudden and unexpected death of GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa triggers a special election in California’s 1st District, leaving Republicans’ House majority at 218-213 temporarily.
In addition, two other House special elections are already scheduled. The Houston-based seat and New Jersey’s 11th District will soon pick successors to Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor in November.
Today’s newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner. Any feedback, positive or negative, can be sent to politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com
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