January 6th - A Reminder About the State of American Democracy

Click to watch trailer of "January 6th"

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump, former president of the United States, has made the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack a central theme of his campaign to return to the White House. During a recent rally in Ohio, Trump praised the rioters and promised to help them upon returning to office. This revisionist narrative of January 6 has become a key aspect of Trump's bid for presidency, despite facing federal charges related to the attack. American media are describing Trump’s attempts to get back into the office as “coups” as his methods are aggressive, immoral, and more often than not - illegal. 

The aftermath of the Capitol attack has been marked by investigations, legal actions, and soul-searching. Numerous individuals involved in the riot have been arrested and charged with various offences, holding them accountable for their actions. Trump himself faced impeachment for his role in inciting the attack, although he was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.

Trump's allies are also promoting election-denial theories within the Republican Party, raising concerns about future election certifications. Additionally, some Republicans in Congress are downplaying Trump's role in the attack while pursuing alternative explanations for the violence. While some Republicans express concerns about Trump's approach, others continue to support him, including Senate leaders who previously criticised his actions on January 6. Despite divisions within the party, Trump's campaign remains focused on his narrative regarding the Capitol attack as he seeks a return to power.

Following the 2020 presidential election, then-President Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that the election was "stolen" from him through widespread voter fraud, despite lacking any credible evidence to support these claims. This false narrative gained traction among his supporters, leading to a sense of grievance and anger among a significant portion of the population. On the morning of January 6, 2021, Trump addressed a rally near the White House, where he continued to spread misinformation about the election and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. In a fiery speech, he used combative language, calling on his followers to "fight like hell" and stating that they would "never take back our country with weakness." This rhetoric served as a catalyst for what would unfold later that day.

Beyond the immediate consequences, the Capitol attack has raised profound questions about the state of American democracy and the future of political discourse. It has underscored the dangers of disinformation, polarisation, and the erosion of democratic norms. The events of January 6, 2021, serve as a cautionary tale and a call to action for safeguarding the principles of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power.

January 6th directed by Jules Naudet, Gedeon Naudet offers an insight into the events. The characters of this documentary are people who firsthand witnessed the events that unfolded-  police officers, members of congress and first responders. In light of the recent events and Trump’s announcements of running for the Office again in 2024, our pick for the trailer of the week is a film that captures the power of mass manipulation and misuse of power.