Pelosi: Trump might ditch testifying because he's not 'man enough'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Agencies
23 Oct 2022 22:16

Yesterday, the investigation committee looking into the US Capitol attack in 2021 subpoenaed former President Donald Trump.

Trump supporters carry out attack on Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday during an interview with MSNB that Trump is not "man enough" to abide by a US congress subpoena that requires him to testify to his role in the capital riots back in June of 2021.

"I don't think he's man enough to show up. I don't think his lawyers will want him to show up because he has to testify under oath," Pelosi said, adding that, "We'll see if he's man enough to show up."

Yesterday, the investigation committee looking into the US Capitol attack in 2021 subpoenaed former President Donald Trump, effectively ordering that he testify about his involvement in the riot violence. This move poses an escalation in the inquiry.

The House panel of 7 Democrats and 2 Republicans voted unanimously last week to compel Trump's appearance before investigators, requiring him to bring up documents by November 4 and to stand for deposition beginning on or about November 14. This date comes after the November 8 midterm elections.

On January 6 of 2021, following the announcement of Biden's winning of the Presidential elections, former US President Donald Trump supporters barged into the capital building in Washington DC and occupied it for a short period in an attempt to prevent congress from formalizing Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 elections. The riots led to several deaths including one police officer in addition to tens of injured.

Trump gave a speech to supporters, manufacturing anger as he told them to "fight like hell." He was then impeached for inciting violence, impeding a peaceful transfer of presidency to incumbent President Joe Biden.

Trump and Pelosi have had a very tense relationship over the years, as the former led two impeachment proceedings against the former US president, while both have not restrained from publicly expressing their dislike of one another.

Trump, given his history of dodging legal processions and probes, is not likely to provide evidence to the January 6 committee over his involvement in the riots. The subpoena will expire in January upon the issuing of a new congressional term. However, if he refuses to comply, the House can hold him in criminal contempt and may send him for prosecution.

So far, the committee has issued over 100 subpoenas and has interviewed over 1,000 people since 2021. It is worth noting that no sitting president has testified against Congress before.