By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following President Trump’s reelection, victims of the January 6th Capitol riot express feelings of betrayal as he characterizes the rioters as “political prisoners” and advocates for their pardons. Trump’s actions, including playing a jailhouse rendition of the national anthem by Jan. 6th defendants at a campaign rally, are deeply upsetting to those who suffered injuries, including Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who required surgeries and early retirement due to the violence. The minimization of the attack, described by the Justice Department as domestic terrorism, is compounded by Republican lawmakers downplaying the event’s severity and the possibility of pardons for those convicted of assaulting officers. This disregard for the officers’ sacrifices and the rewriting of history surrounding the event leaves victims feeling abandoned and unheard.
Read the original article here
The January 6th riot’s victims feel profoundly betrayed as Donald Trump continues to rewrite the narrative surrounding that day’s events. Their sense of betrayal stems from Trump’s consistent downplaying, and in some cases, outright denial, of the violence and the attack on American democracy that occurred. They are witnessing a deliberate effort to erase the gravity of what happened, leaving them feeling disregarded and abandoned.
This rewriting of history is particularly galling for those who suffered physical harm, emotional trauma, or witnessed colleagues and friends being injured or killed. The casual dismissal of their experiences feels like a second injury, adding insult to the original trauma. They invested their trust in the systems of law and order, only to see those systems fail to adequately protect them.
The feeling of betrayal extends beyond the physical and emotional scars of the day. For many, the lack of accountability for those involved in the planning and execution of the riot fuels a sense of injustice. The seeming impunity granted to those who directly participated, as well as to those who enabled or inspired the event, casts a long shadow of doubt over the entire judicial process. It suggests that the rules and principles upholding justice are applied selectively or inconsistently, leaving the victims wondering if their suffering truly mattered.
The lack of meaningful repercussions for those responsible at all levels, from the rioters themselves to high-ranking officials, intensifies the victims’ sense of betrayal. It reinforces the perception that those in positions of power, regardless of their actions, can manipulate narratives and avoid any substantial consequences. This highlights a worrying lack of integrity and accountability within the very systems they relied upon.
Even those who previously supported Trump now see themselves as betrayed by his actions and statements. Some of these individuals may have been initially drawn to his populist message, but now view him as having abandoned them in favor of his own political survival. Others may feel disillusioned by the party’s seeming tolerance, if not outright endorsement, of the events of January 6th. This feeling of betrayal transcends political affiliation; it strikes at the very heart of what many perceive as fundamental American values.
Beyond the personal experiences of the victims, a broader societal sense of betrayal also arises. Many citizens feel that Trump’s actions undermine democratic norms and principles. The erosion of trust in institutions and political processes has resulted in a deep and widespread sense of disorientation and disillusionment. The rewriting of history, the lack of accountability, and the continued support for Trump from a significant portion of the population collectively contribute to a sense of national betrayal.
Trump’s actions also betray a fundamental disregard for the rule of law, undermining the faith many Americans have in the integrity of their institutions. The fact that such blatant attempts to undermine democratic principles are met with relatively little concrete opposition from a large segment of the population contributes to the overall feeling of betrayal. This extends to the feeling that the democratic process itself has been subverted, which adds another layer to the sense of disenfranchisement and abandonment.
The ongoing struggle to reconcile the events of January 6th with Trump’s subsequent actions and words creates a sense of unresolved trauma for many victims. This is compounded by the lack of clear consequences for those responsible, leaving a persistent feeling of injustice and insecurity. The collective feeling of betrayal transcends partisan lines, affecting the core beliefs and values of many Americans. The future of democracy and the faith in American institutions hinges on the ability to address these sentiments effectively.