Former DC Metropolitan police officer Michael Fanone, who was attacked during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, reacted with skepticism to a resurfaced video of President Donald Trump condemning violence after the insurrection. Speaking on former CNN host Jim Acosta's podcast, Fanone laughed and suggested the video might be generated by artificial intelligence.
Trump's January 13 Address
In the clip from January 13, 2021, Trump stated, "We have seen too many riots, too many mobs, too many acts of intimidation and destruction. It must stop, whether you are on the right or on the left, a Democrat or a Republican, there is never a justification for violence. No excuses. No exceptions." He added, "America is a nation of laws. Those who engaged in the attacks last week will be brought to justice."
Fanone's response: "You sure that's not AI? Don't think I counted 10 fingers there."
Backlash Over DOJ's Anti-Weaponization Fund
The retired officer also criticized the Department of Justice's $1.7 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which the DOJ says is meant to address claims of weaponization and lawfare. Fanone told CNN's Anderson Cooper that the fund "rubs salt in the wound" for officers who defended the Capitol. Among potential claimants are those charged in the riot who later received pardons from Trump.
Acosta's Analysis
Acosta argued that Trump condemned violence only because he feared impeachment and removal from office. Fanone agreed, noting that in Trump's first term, there were "guardrails" and aides who didn't want criminal liability for the Capitol attack. But now, Fanone said, "We've got Todd Blanche and Kash Patel and Dr. Oz and this whole cast of buffoons and clowns who themselves have committed crimes on Donald Trump's behalf."
