Outtakes Show Trump Refusing To Say Election Is Over

Yahoo News reports:

A day after an angry mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, then-President Donald Trump filmed a three-minute video in the East Room of the White House condemning the violence. It took him nearly an hour to tape the message.

In outtakes shown during the House select committee’s prime time hearing on Thursday night, Trump is seen on camera on Jan. 7, 2021, struggling to condemn the rioters for the deadly siege that occurred the day before.

“This election is now over. Congress has certified the results,” Trump said before stopping. “I don’t want to say the election is over. I want to say Congress has certified the results without saying the election is over, OK?”

The Guardian reports:

“I would like to begin by addressing the heinous attack yesterday,” Trump begins, before pausing. He continues: “And to those who broke the law, you will pay. You do not represent our movement, you do not represent our country. And if you broke the law …”

Trump breaks off, wagging a finger and shaking his head. “I can’t say that,” he says. “I’m not gonna, I already said ‘You will pay’.” He starts again: “The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defied the seat of … it’s ‘defiled’, right? So I can’t see it very well. I’ll do this. I’m gonna do this. Let’s go.”

Restarting, Trump says: “My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote.” He pauses and gestures angrily, then repeats: “My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote.” Frustrated, Trump then hits the lectern again.