January 6 as a Governing Anniversary, Not a Footnote

On January 6, 2026—the fifth anniversary of the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol—Donald Trump chose repetition over reflection, restraint, or democratic humility. His remarks to House Republicans did not happen by accident. They declared how fully he has absorbed the logic of January 6 into his governing style.

A day that once exposed the fragility of American democracy became a backdrop for grievance politics. Trump ignored the assault on Congress. Moreover, he refused to name the officers who suffered brutal attacks. He denied the constitutional crisis his lies triggered. Instead, he delivered a speech that confirmed a central truth of the past five years: January 6 did not rupture Trumpism—it previewed it.

Continue reading “Five Years After January 6, Trump Still Governs by the Lie”