‘Revisionist history’: Trump allies, Democrats spar over riot

House hearing on military’s role in the January 6 US Capitol riot sees Trump officials defend actions on controversial day.

High-ranking officials from the administration of former President Donald Trump have defended their actions during the US Capitol insurrection at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. Capitol Police and US military officials have faced criticism for their lack of response to the violent mob that attempted to stop a joint session of Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory on January 6. Five died in the aftermath of the violent riot. Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, began the hearing by saying the “federal government was unprepared for this insurrection, even though it was planned in plain sight on social media for the world to see”.