WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol unanimously voted to issue a subpoena to former President Donald Trump for documents and testimony, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:

“I agree that Donald Trump should testify under oath about his role in the attack on our democracy.  On January 6, 2021, brave U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers fought for their lives against a mob of thousands of Trump’s foot soldiers.  This armed assault on the U.S. Capitol was planned in advance by Trump’s lieutenants to try and stop the counting of votes so Trump could cling to power. 

“The Committee laid out the facts of the case and those facts paint a damning portrait of Donald Trump.  Several of his own aides testified that Trump knew he lost the 2020 election.  But he declared victory anyway and caused an insurrection.  The Committee demonstrated that the former President lied to the American people and violated his oath to uphold the Constitution. 

“Those who continue to deny the 2020 election results refuse to acknowledge reality.

“Trump is responsible for the January 6 attack.  The evidence shows that he incited violence and then watched on TV, from the comfort of the White House, as his supporters violently stormed the Capitol.  He ignored pleas from the Vice President, Congressional leaders, and even his own children to call off the deadly attack. He must testify under oath about his decisions—not only, during the assault, but also in the days and weeks leading up to it.

“Trump must be held accountable.”