Newly released footage from Jan. 6, 2021, captures a revealing moment of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi admitting a critical failure in the handling of security during the Capitol unrest. The video, filmed by Pelosi’s daughter, shows the Speaker candidly acknowledging that the National Guard should have been called in sooner, stating, “We have totally failed.” Despite this moment of self-reflection, Pelosi quickly shifted focus to how she could leverage the crisis against then-President Donald Trump.
Pelosi’s remarks, captured amid the chaos, underscore the intense political maneuvering that followed the Capitol breach. In the aftermath, Pelosi was fixated on ensuring that President Joe Biden’s certification proceeded without delay. Her focus, however, soon turned to Trump, whom she held responsible for the day’s events. “He’s got to pay a price for that,” Pelosi declared, expressing her desire for Trump to face consequences.
This newly surfaced footage, reviewed by POLITICO and handed over to the Republican-led House Committee on Administration by HBO, sheds light on Pelosi’s mindset during one of the most chaotic days in recent American history. While Pelosi publicly blamed Trump for inciting the violence, critics argue that as Speaker, she bore significant responsibility for Capitol security—a responsibility she privately acknowledged but never publicly accepted.
The video highlights Pelosi discussing who should be held accountable for the security lapse, with her focus eventually turning to Trump. Despite Trump’s call for peaceful protests, Pelosi labeled the events as an “insurrection,” a crime she insisted he was guilty of. As Pelosi continues to deflect responsibility, the footage raises questions about her role and accountability on that fateful day.
