C-SPAN Caller Sparks Controversy Over Insurrection Comments

A Republican-turned-Independent caller named Glenn sparked controversy during a live C-SPAN broadcast on Friday, January 3, 2025, when he expressed opposition to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson while simultaneously calling for an ‘insurrection’ against former President Donald Trump. The call, which aired on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism for its perceived hypocrisy.

Glenn, who identified himself as a former Republican, told host Greta Brawner that he could not support ‘an insurrectionist,’ referencing Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. However, he then added, ‘I would really love to see Democrats and Independents do an insurrection on Donald Trump.’ Brawner quickly moved on to the next caller, but the clip of Glenn’s remarks spread rapidly online.

Social media users were quick to mock Glenn’s contradictory statements. One X user wrote, ‘I can’t support an insurrectionist, but if the people I support do an insurrection against someone I don’t, I’ll support it. Oof.’ Others labeled him a ‘hypocrite’ and an ‘idiot.’

The incident occurred ahead of the Speaker of the House vote, where Mike Johnson ultimately retained his position. Despite Glenn’s plea for lawmakers to reject Johnson, the Republican secured reelection with 218 votes, narrowly defeating Democratic challenger Hakeem Jeffries, who received 215 votes. Three Republicans initially voted against Johnson but later changed their ballots after discussions with the incumbent.

Glenn’s comments also drew attention to the broader political climate, particularly in light of Vice President Kamala Harris‘s upcoming role in certifying the 2024 presidential election results. Harris, who lost to her Republican opponent in November, is set to oversee the certification process, a duty she described as a ‘sacred obligation.’ Her involvement marks the third time in modern history that a vice president has presided over the certification of their own electoral defeat, following Al Gore in 2001 and Richard Nixon in 1961.

The controversy surrounding Glenn’s call underscores the ongoing tensions within American politics, particularly regarding the legacy of the January 6 insurrection and its impact on public discourse. As the 119th Congress begins its work, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing lawmakers in a deeply divided nation.