Trump returns to Capitol Hill for first time since Jan. 6 attack in visit GOP calls "unifying"

Former President Donald Trump is rallying House and Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill Thursday, his first appearance on Capitol Hill since his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and his first visit to Washington since he was convicted of 34 felony counts by a New York jury.

The former president's appearance was, in the words of firebrand and ally Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a "pep rally." Rep. Elise Stefanik, who chairs the House Republican Conference, called the meeting a "very successful" political gathering.

"We are 100% unified behind his candidacy and are ready to get to work on behalf of the American people," Stefanik told reporters, calling Trump's appearance a "unifying event."