At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held over the weekend, the events of January 6, 2021, were not condemned but rather celebrated and used as a focal point for conspiracy theories. This annual gathering has effectively become a platform for endorsing Donald Trump’s potential 2024 presidential bid.
While Trump is set to address the conference, several possible contenders for his vice presidential slot also made appearances, treating the event as a trial run.
CPAC attendees and speakers, including far-right figures, echoed Trump’s narrative, praising the actions of January 6 as a form of “righteous retribution” against perceived enemies.
Despite over 1,200 individuals facing criminal charges related to the Capitol riot, CPAC attendees labeled them as “political prisoners” and demanded pardons. False claims of election fraud and the unconstitutional rigging of the 2020 election were propagated by speakers like Rep. Elise Stefanik and former Trump DOJ official Jeffrey Clark.
One CPAC vendor showcased a pinball machine themed around January 6, featuring conspiracy-laden modes such as “Stop the Steal” and “Political Prisoners.” The game’s developer, Jonathan Linowes, aimed to shift the narrative surrounding the insurrection, despite overwhelming evidence of its violent nature.
This normalization and glorification of the January 6 events underscore the ongoing rift within the Republican Party and its alignment with Trump’s narrative. Despite legal consequences and condemnations from across the political spectrum, CPAC attendees remain steadfast in their support for Trump and his version of events.
