Did Nancy Pelosi Turn Down National Guard Troops?
The answer to this question is a resounding "no." Despite claims to the contrary, Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, did not turn down National Guard troops.
Background
In January 2021, President-elect Joe Biden announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to the nation’s capital to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and to maintain public safety during the presidential inauguration. The move was seen as a precautionary measure due to concerns about potential unrest and violence following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The Claim
On January 11, 2021, the Daily Wire, a conservative news outlet, published an article claiming that Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, had "blocked" or "turned down" the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation’s capital. The article claimed that Pelosi had concerns about the troops’ ability to enforce the 25th Amendment, which would have allowed the Vice President to assume the presidency if President-elect Biden was deemed unable to serve.
Debunking the Claim
However, numerous fact-checking organizations, including PolitiFact and FactCheck.org, quickly debunked the claim. In a statement, Pelosi’s office denied the allegations, saying: "The Speaker did not block or turn down the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation’s capital. The President’s plan to deploy the National Guard was announced and carried out without any objection from the Speaker or the Democratic leadership."
The Timeline
To further support the denial, here is a timeline of events:
- January 6, 2021: Riot breaks out at the U.S. Capitol, leaving several dead and many injured.
- January 11, 2021: Daily Wire publishes article claiming Pelosi turned down National Guard troops.
- January 11, 2021: Pelosi’s office issues statement denying the allegations.
- January 12, 2021: PolitiFact and FactCheck.org fact-check the claim, finding it to be false.
The Real Reason
So, why were National Guard troops not deployed earlier? According to the Pentagon, the reason for the delay was a disagreement between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security over the chain of command and the role of the National Guard. The Pentagon had concerns about the potential for civil unrest and the need for clear guidelines on the use of force. Once these issues were resolved, the troops were deployed on January 20, 2021, the day of President-elect Biden’s inauguration.
Table: National Guard Deployment Timeline
| Date | Event | Deployment Status |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2021 | Capitol Riot | No deployment |
| January 11, 2021 | Daily Wire article | No deployment (allegations denied) |
| January 12, 2021 | Pentagon issues statement | Delayed deployment due to coordination issues |
| January 20, 2021 | President-elect Biden’s Inauguration | Deployment begins |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the claim that Nancy Pelosi turned down National Guard troops is entirely unfounded. The deployment of National Guard troops to the nation’s capital was a joint effort between the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, and Pelosi had no role in blocking or delaying the deployment. It is essential to verify information before spreading misinformation to avoid spreading false narratives. The truth is, Nancy Pelosi did not turn down National Guard troops, and the deployment was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the presidential inauguration.
