Trump Downplays Jan. 6 Riot, Calls Tesla Arson Attacks "More Serious
Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy on Friday by comparing recent Tesla arson attacks to the January 6 Capitol riot, suggesting that the Tesla incidents are more severe. Trump referred to the alleged attackers as "terrorists" and called for harsh penalties, including potential imprisonment in El Salvador.
Trump Condemns Tesla Attacks as "Terrorism"
The Tesla arson attacks stem from ongoing protests against Elon Musk’s policies, particularly his push for federal government cutbacks. While most protests have been peaceful, some have escalated to vandalism and property destruction, including Tesla cars being set on fire.
On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three individuals accused of attacking Tesla property with Molotov cocktails. She classified their actions as domestic terrorism, a stance Trump strongly supports.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump declared:
“I view these people as terrorists.”
Trump Downplays Jan. 6 Capitol Riot
Trump took his remarks a step further by comparing the Tesla attacks to the Jan. 6 riot, claiming the Capitol attack was less severe than the Tesla incidents.
“You didn’t have that on Jan. 6, I can tell you,” Trump insisted.
He also downplayed the casualties from the Capitol riot, emphasizing that the only person killed by police was rioter Ashli Babbitt. However, multiple Capitol Police officers were injured, and some later died by suicide.
Trump Calls for Harsh Punishments for Tesla Protesters
Unlike his clemency efforts for Jan. 6 rioters, Trump has suggested harsh sentences for those involved in the Tesla attacks. On Friday morning, he posted on Truth Social, calling the protesters "sick terrorist thugs" and suggesting they should serve 20-year sentences in El Salvador's notorious prisons.
This marks a sharp contrast in Trump’s treatment of Jan. 6 defendants, as he pardoned over 1,500 Capitol rioters on his first day of his second term.
Political and Public Reactions
Trump’s comments have sparked intense debate, with critics accusing him of hypocrisy for minimizing the Capitol riot while escalating the Tesla attacks. Supporters, however, argue that violent property destruction should be met with strict legal consequences.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump calls Tesla arson attacks "more serious" than Jan. 6.
- Three suspects charged with "domestic terrorism" for Tesla attacks.
- Trump suggests El Salvador’s prisons for convicted protesters.
- Former president continues to defend Jan. 6 rioters.