White House press secretary Jen Psaski held an information session on Wednesday and asked White House correspondent Hunter Walker whether the government viewed the January 6 uprising as an attempted “coup” by the Capitol.
Video transcription
– I want to ask you questions here on two fronts. First, you know, it’s been more than a month since the January 6 Capitol attack. And we did not receive any kind of public briefing from the Capitol Police. Many people have expressed their concern about it. Does President Biden want to see that kind of briefing? And also in a similar way, what does he think of efforts like Congressman Jamal Bowman to establish a congressional inquiry or commission over the attack on the Capitol?
JEN PSAKI: We certainly leave the decision on whether there is a congressional inquiry to members of Congress. I saw the proposal. Clearly, there are others who will have to support it to promote it. And I know a number do that.
In terms of the timeline of a Capitol Police briefing, you know, I would refer to them again on the timeline. Here in the federal government, of course, as you know, there is an ongoing investigation into the Department of Justice. And I refer to them for any reports or updates from there.
– And a second question. You know, of course, that the president is going to address the coup in Myanmar today. You know, he assumes, I accept against it and speak out against it. You and Foreign Minister Blinken talked about how the January 6 attack makes it, according to Foreign Minister, a bigger challenge. You said it would take America to regain its status as a beacon of leadership.
As we address this, how important is it to be held accountable for the Capitol attack, including possible accusations that we want to spread democracy abroad?
JEN PSAKI: Well, I think what I and Secretary Blinken were referring to is the fact that, to project to other countries around the world that there must be a protection of democracy, that there must be freedom of speech, that there must be freedom of expression, we must act in this way from here. And the pieces we have control over are what the President of the United States does, what the Secretary of State does and how we all act against this government.
While I was starting the briefing, he spoke about his views on the horrific events of January 6 and the fact that it was an attack on our democracy here. He made the statements because he felt that way. And it is also important to make it clear to the public and the world. But in terms of what steps will be taken from here, we leave it to the Senate.
– It is clear that we are calling what happened in Myanmar a coup. Do you think this is an accurate description of what happened on January 6th?
JEN PSAKI: I’m not going to give any new definitions. There is, of course, a process going on. I’m sure you will all be watching today as the Senate continues its hearings. I appreciate your creativity.