Trump refused to call on the Justice Department to prosecute Capitol rioters 'to the fullest extent of the law,' according to draft remarks obtained by Jan. 6 committee

• Trump declined to specifically call on the Justice Department to prosecute January 6 rioters.
• A draft of his January 7, 2021 speech called for him to say that "legal consequences must be swift and firm."

Then-President Donald Trump didn't want to specifically call for the Justice Department to prosecute January 6 rioters or forcefully condemn those who stormed the Capitol as unrepresentative of the MAGA movement, according to draft remarks obtained by the House committee investigating the attack.

In a video posted Monday, the committee showed an excerpt of prepared remarks for Trump's January 7, 2021, pre-recorded address to the nation.

In his speech, Trump said, "To those who broke the law, you will pay."

But the president did not give a more specific and forceful call for the Justice Department to prosecute those involved.

"I am directing the Department of Justice to ensure all lawbreakers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Trump's draft remarks called for him to say. "We must send a clear message — not with mercy but with JUSTICE. Legal consequences must be swift and firm."

Trump also excised a more personal part of the speech.

"I want to be very clear you do not represent me," it was suggested Trump would say. Instead, Trump later said, "To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country."

Rep. Elaine Luria, a Democrat who co-led the panel's hearing last week, wrote on Twitter that Trump's reticence to tell rioters to leave the Capitol was not the only thing "he was unwilling to say."

—Rep. Elaine Luria (@RepElaineLuria) July 25, 2022

The committee's July 21 hearing outlined Trump's inaction as the riot unfolded. Lawmakers also presented evidence about how even after the riot, Trump was unwilling to formally concede the election and struggled to condemn the violent attack.

A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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