Letter to the editor: Is Trump's National Guard takeover a diversion?

Taxpayer costs to repair damage to our Capitol from the Jan. 6 attack were nearly $3 million, with only 15% of the damage paid back by the offenders. There were 140 police officers hurt during the attack; one officer died from his injuries, and four officers died by suicide.

Donald Trump was the president. He called the attackers “peaceful protesters” and failed to make the calls necessary to protect our capital. He pardoned most of the defendants and commuted the sentences of members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. These American far-right, neo-fascist militant organizations promote and engage in political violence.

Fast forward to 2025: When the violent crime rate has decreased by 27% from the previous year, he calls in the National Guard and takes control of Washington, D.C.’s police force, stating to reporters at the White House, “It’s becoming a situation of complete and total lawlessness.”

Could this be an attempt to divert attention from the Epstein files or a deal that benefits him and his family?

Democracy relies on educated and informed voters who select politicians dedicated to upholding the law and respecting our Constitution. To everyone who voted for Trump: You have not fulfilled the basic requirement of an informed voter necessary to sustain our democracy, and now we all will face the consequences.

Patricia Oliver

North Huntingdon