In a recent development, a report from ABC News has shed light on the actions of the former president during the Jan. 6 insurrection. The report, based on accounts from one of his close advisers, offers a behind-the-scenes view of the events as observed by special counsel Jack Smith’s investigative team.
The adviser in question, Dan Scavino, previously withheld information from the House select committee but has since opened up to Smith’s inquiry. Scavino’s testimony includes descriptions of the former president’s demeanor as he watched the chaos at the Capitol on television.
According to the report, Scavino revealed to investigators that the former president showed a lack of interest in quelling the escalating violence. Additionally, the report cites an instance where, upon learning of then-Vice President Mike Pence’s emergency evacuation, the former president reportedly reacted indifferently, a response that surprised Nick Luna, another former aide.
Further insights were provided by Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, Pat Cipollone, ex-White House counsel, and his deputy, Pat Philbin, who have also given testimonies.
A notable revelation from Scavino was his account of a phone conversation with the former president on Jan. 6, where he warned, “This is all your legacy here, and there’s smoke coming out of the Capitol.”
The report concludes with Scavino’s description of the former president as being “very angry” on Jan.6, not at the protesters but over his conviction that he had won re-election and was being unjustly deprived of it.