Trump says January 6 attacks on police officers were 'very minor incidents' in first major interview since inauguration

23 January 2025, 06:27 | Updated: 23 January 2025, 06:51

Trump Supporters Hold "Stop The Steal" Rally In DC Amid Ratification Of Presidential Election
Trump Supporters Hold "Stop The Steal" Rally In DC Amid Ratification Of Presidential Election. Picture: Getty

By Henry Moore

Donald Trump has described attacks on police officers during the January 6 riots as “very minor incidents.”

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Sitting down for his first major interview since his inauguration on Monday, President Trump insisted the majority of those arrested for assaulting the Capitol in 2021 were "absolutely innocent".

It comes after Trump used the first hours of his second term to sign a slew of executive orders, including a pardon for the 1,500 people convicted over the riots - including more than 200 who assaulted police officers.

The mob of Trump supporters that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 were seeking to stop Congress from counting electoral college votes and formalising the victory of Joe Biden. Five people died in incidents connected to the attacks.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: "Nobody's ever been treated so badly.

Read more: Donald Trump reveals what Joe Biden wrote in 'inspirational' farewell letter

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces. Picture: Getty
Trump supporters attempted to overthrow the American government.
Trump supporters attempted to overthrow the American government. Picture: Getty

“They were treated like the worst criminals in history."

When pressed by Sean Hannity on whether those who committed assault on what has been described as the “darkest day in American history” were guilty, Trump said: "They were very minor incidents, and it was time."

He went on to say the 2020 election was “rigged.”

January 6 marked the most large-scale and open attack on American democracy in the country’s history and has been widely condemned by people on both sides of the political aisle.

acob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," screams "Freedom" inside the U.S. Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob
acob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," screams "Freedom" inside the U.S. Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob. Picture: Getty

Photos from the day saw many of the rioters wearing MAGA hats and carrying Trump flags.

Windows were smashed and buildings were destroyed as the violent mob breached the Capitol building.

As rioters made their way in, members of Congress hid in locked rooms and cupboards.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC
President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Picture: Getty

The insurrection was fueled by claims from the Trump camp that Joe Biden “stole” and “rigged” the 2022 presidential election.

It comes after Trump revealed what Joe Biden wrote to him in his "inspirational" farewell letter.

Trump found the letter in his desk on Monday, as he signed executive orders in the Oval Office.

It is part of a tradition, started by President Ronald Reagan, which sees one president leave a welcome note to his successor.

He pulled out the letter and held it up for the cameras, showing a handwritten 47 on the envelope for the 47th president.

"It was a little bit of an inspirational-type letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is," Trump later said.

He called the letter "very generous" as he later shared it in full with Fox News.

The letter said: "Dear President Trump, as I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years.

"The American people — and people around the world — look to this house for steadiness in the inevitable storms of history, and my prayer is that in the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace and grace for our nation.

"May God bless you and guide you as he has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Members of a specialist British military unit who shot dead four IRA men in an ambush in Co Tyrone in 1992 used lethal force which was not justified, a coroner has ruled. (File Photo)

SAS unit ‘unjustified’ in shooting dead four IRA terrorists in ambush inquest rules

During a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump announced plans for US ownership of the Gaza Strip, declaring "the Gaza thing has never worked."

Donald Trump claims no US troops will be needed for his plan to turn Gaza Strip into 'Riviera of the Middle East’

Steve Coogan dodged a driving ban after saying it impacted his new TV show

Steve Coogan spared driving ban after plea to save new TV show

Bank Of England In The City Of London

Bank of England cuts interest rates to lowest level since May 2023

The chilling footage was reportedly taken by a student at the school.

Chilling Sweden mass shooting footage reveals 'gunman's scream' before opening fire and killing 10

Exclusive
Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind CEO Steven Hall has called for more support from the government

Mental health charity calls for government help as services to take £250k hit due to NI tax hikes

Exclusive
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone-in during LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.

'Why won't you say the word?': Home secretary refuses to confirm inquiry into murder of Sir David Amess

Exclusive
Aspiring cyber professionals will be given the chance to enter a fast-track stream to become 'cyber warriors' within a month.

Fast-track to £40k: Military recruits ‘cyber warriors’ with just one-month training and highest salary in the armed forces

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper takes part in the Call the Cabinet phone

Government plans new police powers to tackle rising phone thefts, Home Secretary tells LBC

Davina McCall wrote letters to her children before undergoing surgery.

Davina McCall reveals heartbreaking plans she made for her children before brain tumour surgery

Matt Jukes said the UK could not afford to delay taking serious action on the negative impacts of social media.

Dangers of social media for children 'like cancer risk of smoking', says counter-terrorism chief

Ebony McIntosh passed away aged 24.

Tributes pour in for beloved Brit travel influencer who died suddenly on 'dream' trip to Sri Lanka

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden wants to create a more "agile and modern" state

Top civil servants could face the sack if they do not deliver savings for the taxpayer

Exclusive
Shocking figures obtained by LBC show that 2790 women were caught carrying knives in 2023/24, up from fewer than 900 in 2014.

Number of women caught carrying knives trebles in a decade

L-R: Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, Sophie Bates, 17, Morgan Jones, 17.

Three teens died after new driver 'lost control of car and crashed into tree'

Kemi Badenoch has urged the Government to make it harder for immigrants to secure permanent residency or a UK passport.

Tories pledge to kick out low-paid and unemployed migrants from UK