Why some MAGA voters won’t protest for Trump
Most Democrats and some Republicans see the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot as a singularly disqualifying event for Donald Trump’s third candidacy for the White House. In response, Mr. Trump seems to be deliberately leaning into one of the most infamous days in American history, following his playbook of turning a weakness into a strength by accusing the government and the media of unfairly persecuting him and his followers.
At his first 2024 campaign rally, in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, a jumbo screen featured video footage of that day. Mr. Trump held his hand on his heart as speakers played “Justice for All,” a chart-topping remix of the national anthem that was recorded by supporters currently imprisoned for their role in the insurrection.
But as the 2024 presidential campaign gets underway, it’s clear that the legacy of that day hangs over the Republican primary in complicated – and not always positive – ways. Even among some of Mr. Trump’s biggest fans.
As prosecutors continue to convict those
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days