A former Trump White House official on Thursday condemned the events of Jan. 6, 2021, as a “coup attempt” and said the former president “failed to meet the moment” in reflections on the anniversary of the insurrection at the Capitol.
Sarah Matthews, who served as a deputy press secretary in the Trump White House and resigned on Jan. 6 over the day’s events, called the riots from a year ago “one of the darkest days in American history.”
“Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term we’d use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment,” Matthews wrote in a Twitter thread. “While it might be easier to ignore or whitewash the events of that day for political expediency — if we’re going to be morally consistent — we need to acknowledge these hard truths.”
“One year ago, thanks to the courageous acts of many, democracy prevailed and Congress returned that night to ensure the peaceful transition of power,” Matthews continued. “Let this day serve as a reminder of how fragile democracy truly is & the importance to protect, preserve, and cherish it.”
Matthews previously worked as a spokesperson for the Trump campaign before joining the White House in 2020. She now handles communications for Republicans on the House Select Climate Committee.
Matthews resigned the evening of Jan. 6, 2021, after a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to try to stop the certification of President Biden’s electoral victory.
Republicans on Thursday largely shied away from marking the anniversary of the riots. Some, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), attacked Democrats for marking the day with speeches and remembrances, accusing them of politicizing the insurrection.