Ex-US Capitol Police Chief Criticizes Pelosi for Complaints After Trump Deploys National Guard in DC, Cites Jan. 6 Block

President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department and deploy National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., has stirred a whirlpool of reactions, particularly from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In a decisive move, Trump announced the federal takeover of law enforcement in the nation’s capital, declaring a “Liberation Day.” This action placed the local police under federal control and engaged 800 National Guard troops to tackle what he described as a situation of chaos and disorder.

Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, asserting his authority due to what he termed a public safety emergency. Bypassing the local mayor’s office and congressional leaders, Trump took direct control. Alongside the Metropolitan Police, federal agents from the FBI and DEA were sent to patrol the streets and manage outreach efforts.

The President also underscored the urgency of addressing the homeless encampments, insisting on their immediate removal. He hinted that similar measures might be implemented in other major cities if they fail to address their issues voluntarily. His statement, “We are taking our capital back,” underscored the boldness of his initiative.

Predictably, Nancy Pelosi was quick to criticize Trump’s actions, accusing him of using the National Guard as a distraction. She took to social media to voice her discontent, highlighting what she perceived as his mishandling of various national issues. Her post was a direct jab at Trump’s leadership style and decisions.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund offered a stark rebuttal to Pelosi’s criticism. Sund, who played a crucial role during the January 6 Capitol riot, challenged Pelosi’s narrative, urging for transparency. He disclosed that his requests for National Guard assistance on January 3 were denied by Pelosi’s Sergeant at Arms.

Sund’s statements revealed the legal constraints he faced, preventing him from calling in the National Guard without specific approval. He noted that despite the Pentagon’s offer for support, he was compelled to decline due to a lack of authority. Pelosi’s refusal to approve his requests on January 6, during a critical period, was highlighted as a significant failure.

Sund also shed light on the challenges faced by the D.C. Police Department due to restrictive legislation passed by the D.C. Council in 2020. This legislation, according to Sund, severely handicapped the police force. The morale of the officers plummeted, with many leaving the department, while those who remained felt hindered in performing their duties.

In the aftermath of the Capitol riots, the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight conducted hearings to evaluate the security failures of January 6, 2021. Chaired by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, these hearings featured testimonies from key figures like Sund. His insights were crucial in understanding the events of that day.

Sund openly criticized Pelosi’s handling of the security situation, highlighting her refusal to engage the National Guard despite warnings of potential violence. Reports indicated that Trump had requested the National Guard days in advance, but Pelosi turned him down. Her subsequent actions and refusal to provide information to investigators further clouded her credibility.

The day after the riots, Pelosi pointed fingers at Sund for the security lapses, yet Sund refuted her claims. He testified before the subcommittee about his conversations with Pelosi on January 6, contradicting her assertions of non-communication. Sund accused Pelosi of using him as a scapegoat to divert attention from her own failures.

Sund’s testimony painted a picture of a leadership struggling to manage a crisis, with Pelosi attempting to deflect blame. Despite her denials, Sund maintained that they spoke multiple times on the day of the riot. His accounts were supported by the fact that Pelosi was actively present at the Capitol, overseeing operations.

The situation surrounding the Capitol riots and the subsequent political fallout continue to be contentious topics. With Trump’s recent actions in D.C., the discourse around law enforcement and federal intervention remains a hot-button issue. As these events unfold, the nation’s eyes are on the capital.

Trump’s efforts to restore order in Washington have been met with both support and opposition, reflecting the divided nature of public opinion. The President’s commitment to enforcing safety and security in the nation’s capital remains a focal point. Meanwhile, the political drama involving Pelosi and her handling of past crises continues to unfold.