Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to questions about former President Donald Trump's recent criticisms, discussing his accusations and briefly addressing an instance where she confused Trump with GOP candidate Nikki Haley. The exchange occurred during an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.
Trump's Accusations and Pelosi's Response:
Maddow queried Pelosi about Trump's attempt to criticize her response to the events of January 6, but she inadvertently referred to Haley. Pelosi, in her response, downplayed Trump's comments, stating that she wouldn't dwell on his "cognitive disorders." She highlighted Trump's misrepresentation of facts, particularly concerning the National Guard's deployment, clarifying that it was within the president's authority.
Pelosi's Brief Slip-Up and Clarification:
During her response, Pelosi herself momentarily confused Trump with Nikki Haley. Despite this lapse, she quickly corrected the error, reiterating Trump's attempt to shift blame and emphasizing the misinformation surrounding the National Guard's involvement during the Capitol riot.
Trump's Previous Statements and Confusion:
Pelosi referenced Trump's recent speech in New Hampshire, where he seemed to conflate Haley and Pelosi, blaming them for security lapses during the Capitol Hill riot. Trump accused Haley of being in charge of security and claimed that National Guard support was offered but turned down. Pelosi dismissed these claims, emphasizing that governors, not Congress, hold the power to deploy the National Guard in their respective states.
Pelosi's Outlook on Trump:
Pelosi expressed her disinterest in dwelling on Trump's actions and emphasized the need to move forward, concentrating on the upcoming election year. She labelled Trump as a constant liar and urged a focus on mobilizing voters.
Praise for Biden and Harris:
In addition to addressing Trump's comments, Pelosi commended President Biden and Vice President Harris's ticket and campaign team, urging attention to the importance of the Affordable Care Act.
Nancy Pelosi's responses on MSNBC reflect her measured approach to Trump's criticisms, dismissing his accusations and highlighting the misinformation surrounding the Capitol riot. The brief confusion during the interview did not overshadow Pelosi's emphasis on moving beyond Trump's actions and concentrating on upcoming political priorities. The exchange provides insight into Pelosi's perspective on addressing and deflecting criticisms from the former president.