Key Takeaways

• Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized the White House’s new Capitol riot timeline on the official website.
• The timeline labels Pence “cowardly” for not blocking election certification, a claim he strongly rejects.
• Pence finds it offensive that taxpayer money blames Capitol police for the January 6 events.
• He appeared on CNN with Kaitlan Collins to call out this “revisionist history.”

Capitol riot timeline

On January 6, the White House launched a new webpage presenting a Capitol riot timeline. It frames events through President Trump’s perspective. One tile accuses Mike Pence of lacking courage in refusing to reject electoral votes. Pence firmly disputes that description. He also objects to blaming the police who defended the Capitol that day.

Pence Reacts to Capitol Riot Timeline

During an interview on CNN’s “The Source,” Pence spoke with Kaitlan Collins. Collins asked him about being called “cowardly” on the timeline tile. Pence replied that this insult first surfaced five years ago. Then, he made clear he has no time for such personal attacks now.

Moreover, Pence labeled it “very offensive” to use a taxpayer-funded website to shift blame onto Capitol Hill police. He pointed out that these officers risked their safety to protect lawmakers and the building. Therefore, he urged Americans to remember what they saw on January 6.

Why the Timeline Offends Pence

First, the Capitol riot timeline suggests Pence chose not to act out of fear. In fact, he says he followed the Constitution. He stands by his role in certifying the election results. Pence believes the timeline twists events and misleads viewers.

Second, the timeline downplays or redirects blame for the violence. Instead of holding rioters responsible, it implies law enforcement fell short. Pence argues this portrayal dishonors the sacrifices of officers. He reminds the public that these police officers saved lives and stopped further chaos.

Background on the January 6 Timeline

When the White House released its Capitol riot timeline, it aimed to counter media accounts. It provides a minute-by-minute sequence from the Trump camp’s view. However, critics note it omits key facts. For instance, it does not clearly show who incited the crowd. Instead, it highlights disagreements between President Trump and Pence.

Meanwhile, many fact-checkers have noted discrepancies between this timeline and independent reports. They say it rewrites history by leaving out violent threats and false claims that fueled the riot. As a result, the timeline has sparked debate across social media and news outlets.

The Role of Taxpayer Funding

Pence’s biggest complaint focused on how the timeline was published. He emphasized that U.S. taxpayers funded the website. Thus, he finds it wrong to use public dollars to promote a partisan narrative. He believes government resources should support unbiased information, not political vendettas.

Furthermore, Pence questioned whether future administrations could use the same site for propaganda. He warned that allowing one leader to reshape history there sets a dangerous precedent. Therefore, he called for more oversight on how official pages share information.

Public Reaction to the Timeline

At the time of its release, the Capitol riot timeline drew mixed responses. Some Trump supporters praised it for showing a different side of the story. On the other hand, many Americans rejected it as inaccurate and inflammatory. Polls indicate most people remember the violence firsthand and reject attempts to rewrite what happened.

In social media discussions, some users pointed out the timeline fails to condemn rioters. They say it almost seems to excuse the attack on the Capitol. Conversely, others agreed with Pence that calling him “cowardly” offended them too. This split highlights how deeply divided opinions remain about January 6.

What Comes Next

Following Pence’s remarks, it is unclear if the White House will revise the Capitol riot timeline. Some experts expect pressure from watchdog groups to correct misleading content. Meanwhile, legislators have asked for hearings on the site’s creation and funding.

Moreover, the White House may limit direct edits to prevent further controversy. They could add disclaimers or link to independent reports. In any case, the debate over this timeline shows how hotly contested the January 6 narrative remains.

Lessons for Future Administrations

This clash over the Capitol riot timeline offers lessons on maintaining trust in official channels. First, governments should present facts transparently. If they share partisan views, they risk losing credibility. Second, involving independent historians or archivists could prevent bias. Finally, clear rules on website content could stop political misuse.

Ultimately, remembering what truly happened on January 6 depends on accurate records. As Pence says, most Americans know the facts. Therefore, any attempt to recast that day incorrectly will face strong pushback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Pence say about the timeline?

Pence called it “very offensive” and rejected the claim he lacked courage. He also objected to blaming police for the January 6 violence.

Why did the White House launch the timeline?

It aimed to share President Trump’s version of events and challenge mainstream accounts of the Capitol attack.

How have people reacted to the timeline?

Reactions are mixed. Some supporters applaud the new perspective, while many others condemn it as misleading and disrespectful to officers.

Will the timeline change on the White House site?

No official updates have been announced. However, pressure from lawmakers and watchdog groups may prompt revisions or disclaimers.