Dear John,

Last week, Representative Matt Gaetz began passing around a resolution to rewrite history and exonerate Trump for his role in the deadly January 6 attack on democracy. Gaetz is now looking for co-sponsors in the House. So far, he’s been joined by Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Andy Biggs -- who allegedly sought presidential pardons for their roles in trying to overturn the 2020 election -- as well as several other MAGA members of Congress.

Gaetz’s proposed resolution is red meat for the MAGA base, a blatant attempt to endear himself to the fold after proving the Republicans unable to govern by spearheading the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Gaetz’s resolution is just one sentence long, but it’s a whopper:

Resolved: That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that former President Donald J. Trump did not ‘engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.’

Don’t let Congress whitewash the January 6 insurrection. Demand every member of Congress uphold their duty and oppose Rep. Matt Gaetz’s resolution declaring that former President Trump “did not engage in insurrection” now.

And why is Gaetz bringing this Resolution to the House now? Could it just possibly be a distraction from the newly reopened House Ethics Committee investigation of Gaetz, alleging sex trafficking and lobbying violations that could lead to his expulsion from the House, and possibly criminal prosecution?

Reports indicate that multiple new witnesses have been contacted in the investigation. The probe was first announced in 2021, with the Ethics Committee noting allegations Gaetz had engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, sharing inappropriate photos and videos on the House floor, personal use of campaign funds, and accepting a bribe.

Republicans shut the investigation down after taking control of the House in 2022, but have now picked it up again -- possibly realizing that Gaetz’ alleged offenses are too egregious even for them to ignore.

But let there be no mistake: On January 6, 2021, then-President Trump instigated a violent mob that broke into the U.S. Capitol with ice picks, flagpole spears, bear spray, riot shields, police tasers, and zip tie handcuffs, intending to hunt down and bring harm to lawmakers and stop the certification of a democratic election by throwing out millions of legitimate votes.

For hours the violence raged on, while Trump watched it on television and did nothing to stop it.

More than 140 Capitol police officers were injured, many severely. Seven people died in the attack and its aftermath. Congress knows what happened. They were there. They need to know the public will not let MAGA rewrite the history of January 6. Please add your name now.

Thank you for standing up for the truth about Trump’s failed attack on democracy.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action