CNN’s Kaitlan Collins may have believed that a query about January 6 would take former President Donald Trump off guard.
As it turns out, Trump came prepared to the CNN town hall on Wednesday night.
Former President Trump pulls out screenshots of his tweets on January 5th and 6th asking for protestors to remain peaceful. pic.twitter.com/fRxnF6QICZ
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 11, 2023
“When they went to the Capitol and they were breaking into the Capitol, smashing windows, injuring police officers, why did it take you three hours to tell them to go home?” Collins asked.
“I don’t believe it did. Oh, let me pull it out. I have to pull it out,” Trump replied as he retrieved a bundle of documents from his blazer.
“On January 5, the day before, I said, ‘Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!’”
According to NPR, Trump then read a tweet that was published at approximately 2:38 p.m. Eastern on the day of the incursion, which began between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Approximately 45 minutes later on the same day, Trump sent another tweet to the Capitol invasion participants.
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order — respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!” Trump wrote at the time.
Collins refuted the president’s claims, but he stood by his previous tweets, which he had printed out and displayed to the entire CNN audience.
Trump indicated on Truth Social on Monday morning that there could be some conflict at the event.
More on this story via The Western Journal:
In fact, he even went as far as saying it could very well turn into a “disaster for all.”
“I’ll be doing CNN tomorrow night, LIVE from the Great State of New Hampshire, because they are rightfully desperate to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again. They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse!!!” Trump wrote.
“Could be the beginning of a New & Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me. Let’s see what happens? Wednesday Night at 8:00!!!”