Page:Materials in Support of H. Res. 24.pdf/45

 other White House officials, too, tendered their resignations. Additionally, former Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf “implore[d] the President” to “strongly condemn the violence that took place.”

Former Trump Administration officials have likewise rebuked the President and expressed horror at what his conduct has wrought. Attorney General Barr, accused the President of a “betrayal of his office,” and declared that “orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable.” The President’s former Secretary of Defense James Mattis declared that “[t]oday’s violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump.” Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly stated that “[w]hat happened on Capitol Hill … is a direct result of [President Trump’s] poisoning the minds of people with the lies and the fraud.” And former Speaker of the House John Boehner declared that “[t]he invasion of our Capitol by a mob, incited by lies from some entrusted with power, is a disgrace to all who sacrificed to build our Republic.”

Despite repeated entreaties, it took until January 10th for President Trump to order the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the January 7th death of the Capitol Police officer who was murdered by the insurrectionists. In contrast, the flag over the U.S. Capitol was lowered shortly after his death was confirmed.

The President’s fellow Republicans recognize what he will not: his words incited a violent attack on the Capitol and the Congress. He “incited the mob” and “lit the flame,” in the words of Congresswoman Cheney. Because the President has not repudiated the violent and unlawful actions of his followers or guided them to refrain from future antidemocratic attacks, he cannot be trusted to deter future violence or to remain in office.