'Morning Joe' hosts condemn Donald Trump's labeling of Jan 6 rioters as 'hostages'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Morning Joe' cohost Mika Brzezinski reacted strongly to Donald Trump's characterization of the January 6 insurrectionists as "hostages," describing it as "beyond twisted" and especially insensitive given the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Brzezinski, expressing dismay, highlighted Trump's remarks made during a speech in Ohio where he pledged to free those involved in the Capitol riot, using the term "hostages" in a way that Brzezinski found deeply inappropriate.

Donald Trump's troubling comparison

Brzezinski remarked, "It's beyond twisted for him to use that word. Not surprised, but as disturbed as we'll ever be." Co-host Joe Scarborough echoed Brzezinski's sentiment, imagining the anguish of American families with loved ones held as actual hostages in Gaza upon hearing Trump's comparison.

Scarborough painted a vivid picture, contrasting innocent individuals seized by Hamas terrorists with the Capitol rioters who engaged in violence.

He emphasized the stark difference between those who were taken forcefully from their homes or at peaceful gatherings and those who traveled to the Capitol with intent to cause harm and destruction.

“People who actually are hostages who were doing nothing but being in their home or at a music festival, minding their own business when Hamas terrorists came and seized them and beat them, raped them, abused them, took them underground,” Scarborough added.

“And Donald Trump comparing those people in name to others that drove from across the country, came to the Capitol, used bear spray on police officers, beat the hell out of cops, beat the hell out of other people who got in their way, wanted to hang Mike Pence, were looking for Nancy Pelosi, destroyed a lot of offices, defecated in the United States Capitol and again jammed cops heads in indoors and tried to hurt as many people as they could.”

Mike Pence denounces Donald Trump's rhetoric and stands firm

Former Vice President Mike Pence also weighed in on Trump's remarks, condemning them and refusing to endorse him for the 2024 presidential race.

Pence expressed his disappointment, stating, "I think it's very unfortunate at a time that there are American hostages being held in Gaza, that the president or any other leaders would refer to people that are moving through our justice system as hostages. It's just unacceptable."

Pence acknowledged the events of January 6, acknowledging that while some individuals may have been caught up in the moment and entered the Capitol, the violence and assaults on police officers resulted in a tragic loss of life.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and providing due process to those involved in nonviolent activities while condemning the violent actions of that day.

“I was there on Jan 6. I have no doubt in my mind, Margaret, that some people were caught up in the moment and entered the Capitol, and they’re certainly entitled to due process of law for any nonviolent activities that day, but the assaults on police officers, ultimately an environment that claimed lives, is something that I think was tragic that day and I’ll never diminish it.”

Public outcry against Donald Trump's views

Users on social media platforms expressed vehement condemnation towards Donald Trump and his supporters, particularly those aligned with the MAGA faction, for what they perceive as detrimental impacts on the nation.

One user wrote, "It’s unforgivable what Trump and Maga republicans have done to this country."

Another added, "To present & salute anything other than our National Anthem is ludicrous. Shameful. And "should" be enough to not vote for him. As well as all the footage from J6."

One user replied, "Any time Trump uses the words "treated unfairly" it's in reference to himself, his friends or supporters who've been held accountable for their crimes. He thinks they should get away with crimes."

Another commented, "He knows they're guilty AF. He is just looking for a way to make pardoning himself look less obvious."

One said, "Never Trump!"

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