Nancy Pelosi’s raw response to January 6 riot: 'Trump got to pay a price’, unreleased footage shows

Unreleased footage from January 7, 2021, revealed then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s intense condemnation of former President Donald

Trump

following the

Capitol riot

. The video obtained by Politico, was captured by her daughter, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, and provided to the House Committee on Administration by HBO. The footage showed

Pelosi

grappling with the aftermath of the attack.

In a candid moment, Pelosi is seen reflecting on the events of

January 6

, saying, “I just feel sick about what he did to the Capitol and the country today,” and insisted, “He’s got to pay a price for that.” The footage highlighted Pelosi’s immediate outrage and her determination to hold Trump accountable for the riot, as reported by Politico.
Pelosi’s disgust and determination
In the early hours of January 7, after being evacuated from the Capitol, Pelosi is seen in the back of her SUV, visibly exhausted and distressed. “I just feel sick about what he did to the Capitol and the country today,” Pelosi said. “He’s got to pay a price for that.” The footage showed Pelosi's immediate outrage and her determination to address the aftermath of the riot.

Chaotic evacuation and immediate concerns
The footage documented the chaotic moments following Pelosi’s evacuation from the Capitol. As she was whisked away by Capitol Police, Pelosi expressed frustration over the lack of preparedness and the failure to anticipate the attack. “How many times did the members ask, ‘Are we prepared? Are we prepared?’ We’re not prepared for the worst,” Pelosi criticized. Her frustration was further fueled by the realization that the pro-Trump mob had already breached the Capitol.

Focus on impeachment and security failures
As Pelosi and other congressional leaders huddled at Fort McNair, the footage revealed their discussions. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and others expressed frustration over Trump’s video statement that praised the rioters and perpetuated false claims about the election. “We shouldn’t let him off the hook, Nancy. We issued a statement saying he’s got to make a statement. He comes up with this BS,” Schumer said. Pelosi responded with resolve, describing Trump’s actions as “insurrection” and demanding accountability.
Pelosi’s strategic shift
The footage also documented Pelosi’s strategic planning as she prepared a forceful statement condemning Trump as a threat to democracy. In a conversation with her aides, Pelosi debated whether to publicly call for the resignation of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, ultimately deciding to focus her message on Trump. “I think our focus has to be on the president. Let’s not divert ourselves,” Pelosi instructed.
The footage captured Pelosi’s critical approach to the Capitol security failures and her discussions about the fate of key security officials. The House Administration Oversight Subcommittee, which is leading the January 6 investigation, has criticized Pelosi for shifting focus to Trump rather than addressing security lapses.
Reflections and decisions
As the footage concluded, Pelosi is seen navigating the aftermath of the riot, including discussions about Capitol security and the potential resignation of officials. Despite internal debates and criticisms, Pelosi remained steadfast in her determination to address the riot’s causes and hold those responsible accountable.