Source: Pool / Getty
President Joe Biden addressed the nation on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Capitol Insurrection in a scathing Thursday morning (Jan. 6) speech and didn’t withhold any punches towards former President Donald Trump. President Biden framed insurrection as an attack on democracy, echoing the messaging of his 2020 presidential campaign of bringing America back together.
It was known as recently as last week that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were both prepared to deliver remarks all connected to a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives defending the U.S. Capitol and to drum down on the need to preserve democracy in the nation. Naturally, Biden’s salvo was the first and perhaps loudest moment thus far of the day, and his words sent shockwaves through the nation as evidenced by the reaction across television outlets and social media.
Speaking from Statuary Hall inside the Capitol, Biden didn’t name Trump but it wasn’t difficult to determine who he was referencing.
“Those who stormed this Capitol, and those who instigated and incited, and those who called on them to do so, held a dagger at the throat of America and American democracy,” Biden said.
“We must be absolutely clear about what is true and what is a lie,” Biden said in another portion of the speech. “And here’s the truth: The former president of the United States of America has created spread a web of lies about the 2020 election. He’s done so because he values power over principle…because he sees his own interest is more important than his country’s interest and America’s interest…because his bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy or our Constitution.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was also set to deliver remarks today along with Vice President Harris, who spoke ahead of President Biden which can be viewed in the video below. And on Twitter, several elected officials on both sides of the political aisle shared thoughts regarding the insurrection. We’ve got those tweets listed out below.
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Photo: Getty
1.
On #January6th, the former President incited his supporters who used violence to try to nullify the election. His supporters assaulted 140 police officers in an attempt to keep the former President in power.
Those who continue to deny these facts are cowards and traitors. https://t.co/nvSkYQmHhK
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 6, 2022
2.
Today we honor American hero Brian Sicknick, a fmr Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, then US Capitol Police Officer for over a decade. Rest In Peace. #January6th pic.twitter.com/bDoaAlvm7I
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) January 6, 2022
3.
Starting my day remembering the unmitigated bravery of Officer Eugene Goodman as the U.S. Capitol was under attack.
You, Sir, are a true hero. #January6th #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/MBgeJOp4Xl
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) January 6, 2022
4.
Thank you Eugene Goodman for saving Democracy #January6th pic.twitter.com/Q7iD1zuqe7
— David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 6, 2022
5.
Liz Cheney on Trump: “he is clearly unfit for future office, clearly can never be anywhere near the Oval Office ever again”
Retweet if you agree with her! #January6th
— Republicans against Trumpism (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 6, 2022
6.
Let’s never forget this photo of @HawleyMO #January6th pic.twitter.com/9pRPuNsFse
— I AM Valerie & trump is still dangerous (@VJShordee444) January 6, 2022
7.
Never forget who is responsible #January6th#TraitorTrump pic.twitter.com/g4uC8bRM1J
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Johnny Salami
(@Mott_and_Hester) January 6, 2022
8.
Remember this exchange after #January6th. @AOC had the receipts. Someone remind journalists talking to Sen Cruz this week. https://t.co/skGzXfUkgz
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) January 6, 2022
9.
Thank you, @POTUS Biden! #January6th pic.twitter.com/DEsOnTBwy6
— Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) January 6, 2022
10.
‘No one who shares a delusion ever recognises it as such’
~Sigmund FreudThis fucker #January6th pic.twitter.com/Ory93WF10l
— Ann is still European
Happy New Year!
(@56blackcat) January 6, 2022
11.
DOJ – today would be an *AWESOME* day to drag this dirty traitor kicking and screaming down to GITMO and treat her like the Terrorist and Enemy of America that she is.#January6th
#TrumpCoupAttempt pic.twitter.com/Lq4jTsjw2A
— Mark Judson For Congress – Scorched Earth Dem 2022 (@Judson4Congress) January 6, 2022
12.
It is abhorrent that Republican leadership has chosen not to stand by President Biden today and openly condemn what happened on #January6th. Bunch of unpatriotic eunuchs!
— Amy Siskind
(@Amy_Siskind) January 6, 2022
13.
U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman put his life on the line to protect the Capitol during the attack. I’m thankful for his service and those of the other officers who helped save so many lives on this day #January6th pic.twitter.com/A3ZXilbFLE
— THEE Stephanie. (@qsteph) January 6, 2022
14.
In a press gaggle after his #January6th speech, Biden was asked if laying blame on Trump in the way he did divides more than heals.
Biden responded by saying: "The way you heal is that you have to recognize the extent of the wound. You can’t pretend."
— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) January 6, 2022
15.
Its time for TRUMP, and all that helped him, to pay for their crimes!!#Hannity #January6th #January6thInsurrection #TraitorTrump pic.twitter.com/GjscjDWcow
— Christopher Townsend (@chrisjtownsend1) January 6, 2022
Johnny Salami
Happy New Year! 
(@56blackcat)
(@Amy_Siskind)