Key Takeaways:

• White House unveils a misleading January 6 page under its official site.
• Communications director Steven Cheung mocks media for covering the page.
• The page pushes false claims about a stolen election and rioter innocence.
• Trump issued clemency for over 1,500 January 6 participants.
• Critics warn the propaganda harms public trust in facts.

Introduction

This week marks five years since the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Yet the White House chose to publish a January 6 page filled with lies. The site claims election fraud, blames Nancy Pelosi, and says rioters acted justly. Then press secretary Steven Cheung celebrated trapping mainstream media into covering the page. His boast drew fierce criticism from fact-checkers and politicians.

What is the January 6 page?

The January 6 page lives on the official White House web domain. It lists false statements about the 2020 election and the Capitol riot. For example, it says the election was stolen and that rioters had valid reasons to storm the building. Moreover, it claims Capitol Police, not the mob, caused the bloodshed. It also faults then-Speaker Pelosi for security failures. Finally, it accuses the House January 6 Select Committee of abusing power. Each claim contradicts official investigations and court rulings.

Why the January 6 page sparks outrage

Many see the January 6 page as bold propaganda. First, it denies established facts about the riot that led to Trump’s second impeachment. Then, it rewrites history to make rioters appear heroic. In addition, the site ignores the dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries on that day. It also omits the overwhelming evidence of coordination and planning by some participants. As a result, critics argue the page misleads Americans and erodes faith in honest reporting.

How media fell for the January 6 page trap

Media outlets rushed to cover the new January 6 page, spreading its talking points. On X, Steven Cheung posted a mocking message: “LOL! Can’t believe MSDNC actually fell for our trap in covering the new January 6 page on the White House website,” he wrote. He added peace-sign and flag emojis. A video clip showed a cable network repeating the page’s false claims. Cheung’s gloat highlighted how quickly news teams reacted without deeper fact-checking. Consequently, the page earned far more attention than it might have otherwise.

Who is Steven Cheung?

Steven Cheung serves as White House communications director. Before joining the Trump administration, he worked on Republican campaigns and for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He gained a reputation for sharp online jabs at reporters and critics. Often, Cheung uses humor and insults to deflect tough questions. His X profile features animated GIFs, quick comebacks, and brash challenges to journalists. In this case, he turned a government site into a public prank on major networks.

What this means for the truth after January 6

The launch of the January 6 page comes as debate over the insurrection continues. Even five years later, families of victims and those who defended the Capitol worry about the lasting impact. Meanwhile, some former rioters received presidential clemency in January. Indeed, Trump pardoned or reprieved around 1,500 people tied to the attack. Several of them later faced new charges for other crimes. Therefore, critics see the page as part of a broader effort to reshape public memory of that day. Ultimately, this tactic may deepen divisions over what really happened on January 6.

FAQs

What false claims does the January 6 page promote?

The page states the 2020 election was stolen, rioters were justified, Capitol Police caused violence, and Pelosi failed at security. It also accuses the January 6 committee of abusing power.

Why did Steven Cheung boast about the page?

He wanted to show how easily mainstream media would amplify false claims from an official government site. His post celebrated tricking networks into covering the propaganda.

How many rioters got clemency after January 6?

Around 1,500 people linked to the Capitol attack received full pardons or reduced sentences from President Trump in his final days in office.

How might this page affect public trust?

By spreading discredited claims, the January 6 page risks confusing readers and undermining confidence in factual news. It may also fuel ongoing political division.