Pelosi Confronts Reporter Over January 6 National Guard Claims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lashed out at a reporter on Wednesday when asked about her alleged refusal of the National Guard during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.

As she was assisted down the steps of the Capitol, Pelosi quickly turned to LindellTV reporter Alison Steinberg. She pointed her finger at Steinberg in anger, saying, “Shut up! I did not refuse the National Guard. The president didn’t send it. Why are you coming here with Republican talking points as if you are a serious journalist?”

The confrontation comes amid a renewed investigation by a Republican-led committee into the events of that day. A report authored by House Republicans in 2022 claimed that Democratic leadership had indicated the possibility of having National Guard troops present at the Capitol after the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Pelosi has previously acknowledged the need for stronger security measures during the riot, stating, “We have totally failed. We have to take some responsibility for not holding the security accountable for what could have happened.” In behind-the-scenes footage for an HBO documentary by her daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, she expressed remorse and accountability for the security lapses.

During the filming, Pelosi was shown reacting to a top aide’s inquiry about whether they should call in the National Guard amidst the ongoing chaos. “You’re gonna ask me in the middle of the thing, when they’ve already breached the inaugural stuff, ‘Should we call the Capitol Police?’ I mean the National Guard. Why weren’t the National Guard there to begin with?” she asked, adding, “I take responsibility for not having them just prepare for more.”

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) is leading the new House Judiciary Committee investigation into the Capitol riot. He emphasized the need for an accurate account of security failures to prevent future incidents. “While Dems seem keen on playing political games, Republicans will continue to pursue the facts in an objective manner no matter where they lead,” he stated.

A select committee established by Pelosi produced an 814-page report in December 2022 that accused former President Donald Trump of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the election results. This report followed an 18-month-long investigation into the events surrounding the January 6 riots.