Trump Backtracks Amid Calls For Removal
President Trump on Wednesday issued a video statement condemning Wednesday's assault on the Capitol by his supporters, and admits a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th. NBC's Tracie Potts reports.
WASHINGTON (NBC News) — As calls for his removal from office grow, President Trump is backtracking, acknowledging President-elect Joe Biden’s victory and promising action against his own supporters who rioted at the U.S. Capitol.
Five people, including a Capitol Police officer, died in the rioting.
“A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,” Mr. Trump says in a video released Thursday evening.
“To those who broke the law, you will pay,” he adds.
More than 200 lawmakers want the president removed using the 25th Amendment or impeached for inciting the riot, including at least one Republican.
“The President is unmoored from reality and from his oath,” Illinois’ Representative Adam Kinzinger says.
Democrats have written articles of impeachment, hoping to act in the 12 days before President-elect Biden’s inauguration.
“If the Vice President in the cabinet won’t invoke the 25th, Congress should come back in session immediately and impeach the President,” says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Even Republicans who don’t want the president removed agree he bears some responsibility.
More than half a dozen administration officials have resigned since Wednesday’s attack, including the Transportation Secretary and Secretary of Education, some specifically citing the president’s directing angry crowds to march to the Capitol and fight as their reason.
The Capitol Police chief has also resigned, under fire for failing to prevent the massive security breach.
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