January 6th Archives | American Democracy Minute A 90 second radio news report & podcast on U.S. democracy issues Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:37:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AmericanDemocracyMinuteLogo3_sm.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 January 6th Archives | American Democracy Minute 32 32 204031415 Assault on America’s Democratic Process:  The January 6th, 2021 Insurrection by the Numbers https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/01/05/assault-on-americas-democratic-process-the-january-6th-2021-insurrection-by-the-numbers/ Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:07:02 +0000 https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/?p=4395 From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!

Today, we’re taking a look at the numbers associated with the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, one of the most serious assaults on the American democratic process in the country’s history.

The post Assault on America’s Democratic Process:  The January 6th, 2021 Insurrection by the Numbers appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!



Screenshot images from January 6th Committee evidence

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

Today, we’re taking a look at the numbers associated with the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, one of the most serious assaults on the American democratic process in the country’s history.

After then-President Donald Trump spoke at the Ellipse to an event he and his campaign promoted, a mob the FBI estimates at over 2,000 attacked the U.S. Capitol. Over 140 U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers were injured. Officer Brian Sicknick died of a stroke, and four officers later died from physical or mental health causes.  Three insurrectionists died, including one who was shot by police.

The U.S. Capitol sustained $2.9 million dollars in damage.  As of November 2024 the U.S. Department of Justice had charged 590 with assaulting or resisting law enforcement, and 169 with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing injury to an officer.  Among the weapons were pepper spray, a sword, axes, knives, bats, hockey sticks, and flagpoles.  All defendants were charged with federal trespass or disorderly conduct.  

Of the more than 1,500 charged, DOJ reports 979 guilty pleas, and 250 found guilty at trial or pleading “no contest.” Prison time has ranged from a few days up to 22 years for the most serious charge, seditious conspiracy.

Trump has promised to pardon the QUOTE, “Patriots.” In a December 8th NBC News interview, he said he would act quickly after taking office.

We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
NPR – Read Trump’s Jan. 6 Speech, A Key Part Of Impeachment Trial
U.S. District Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia – (2024) 46 Months Since the Jan. 6 Attack on U.S. Capitol

U.S. District Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia – (2024) Four Men Sentenced for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

CBS News – U.S. attorney explains Jan. 6 Capitol riot prosecutions
NPR – The Jan. 6 attack: The cases behind the biggest criminal investigation in U.S. history
Associated Press – Lawmakers brace for Trump’s promised Jan. 6 pardons. Some are urging restraint
FactlCheck.orgHow Many Died as a Result of Capitol Riot?
The Guardian –  ‘We have our country back’: convicted January 6 rioters anticipate Trump pardons
Reuters – Trump vows to pardon Jan. 6 defendants on Day One

Brennan Center for Justice – (Analysis) – Trump Pardoning Jan. 6 Insurrectionists Would Endorse Attacks on Democracy
Congressional Research Bureau – Fischer v. United States: Supreme Court Reads Federal Obstruction Provision Narrowly in Capitol Breach Prosecution


Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, C.R.E.W., Protect Democracy

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State


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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #TrumpCriminalTrials #January6th #StoptheSteal #CapitolInsurrection


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Among 2024 Electoral College Presidential Electors Were 13 Alleged 2020 Fake Electors, Some of Whom Await Trial on Fraud Charges https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2024/12/18/among-2024-electoral-college-presidential-electors-were-13-2020-alleged-fake-electors-some-of-whom-await-trial-on-fraud-charges/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:32:03 +0000 https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/?p=4342 From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!

In official meeting rooms around the country, 538 electors for the 2024 Presidential election met December 17th to cast their vote on behalf of their state’s results.  Thirteen of those Electoral College electors are accused 2020 fake electors, some of whom still face prosecution. 

The post Among 2024 Electoral College Presidential Electors Were 13 Alleged 2020 Fake Electors, Some of Whom Await Trial on Fraud Charges appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!



Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

In official meeting rooms around the country, 538 electors for the 2024 Presidential election met December 17th to cast their vote on behalf of their state’s results.  Thirteen of those Electoral College electors are accused 2020 fake electors, some of whom still face prosecution. 

Trump campaign associates coordinated a plot in seven battleground states to submit a fraudulent slate of Republican electors.  The plot failed when Vice President Mike Pence refused to participate and certified the results. 

The alleged “fake electors” in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico, Georgia and Arizona were subject to investigations by state officials, the January 6th Committee, and the Special Counsel.  Fake electors in Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona still face trial. Nevada prosecutors just refiled charges Dec.12th.  No charges were brought in New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 

Stunningly, 13 of those electors were renominated by their state Republican parties as electors in 2024.  Six of the 15 awaiting trial for forgery in Michigan were renominated. Six Nevada electors were re-indicted last week on forgery charges, two of whom were renominated, including Jesse Law and state GOP chair Michael McDonald.  

Still unclear is whether Trump will include the fake electors in his promised pardons for those accused and convicted for the January 6th insurrection.  

We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (C.R.E.W) – The cases against fake electors and where they stand
LawFare – Where the Fake Electors Cases Stand in State Court
Michigan Public – “Vindication” as Trump’s “fake electors” serve as real ’24 electors
NPR – ‘Fake electors’ from 2020 are casting 2024 votes for Trump while facing felony charges

ABC News – 13 accused of being ‘fake electors’ cast Electoral College votes for Trump
Wisconsin Politics – Trump vows to eliminate Education Department, pardon Jan. 6 convicts during Mosinee rally
CNN – Recordings, emails show how Trump team flew fake elector ballots to DC in final push to overturn 2020 election
WSAZ – January 6th defendants, “fake electors” hope President-elect Trump keeps his word on pardons

Groups Taking Action:
C.R.E.W.LawForward

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State


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Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #January6th #FakeElectors


The post Among 2024 Electoral College Presidential Electors Were 13 Alleged 2020 Fake Electors, Some of Whom Await Trial on Fraud Charges appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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U.S. Supreme Court Majority Says Trump Immunity Hinges on ‘Official’ vs. ‘Private’ Actions, and Alarmingly Expands Presidential Powers https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2024/07/02/u-s-supreme-court-majority-says-trump-immunity-hinges-on-official-vs-private-actions-and-alarmingly-expands-presidential-powers/ Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:31:13 +0000 https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/?p=3651 From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled July 1st that former President Donald Trump has criminal immunity for his “official” acts as President, but not for “private” acts.   The majority’s decision was not quite a “get out of jail free” card, but expanded the official powers of the President to near authoritarian levels.

The post U.S. Supreme Court Majority Says Trump Immunity Hinges on ‘Official’ vs. ‘Private’ Actions, and Alarmingly Expands Presidential Powers appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!



Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled July 1st that former President Donald Trump has criminal immunity for his “official” acts as President, but not for “private” acts.   The majority’s decision was not quite a “get out of jail free” card, but expanded the official powers of the President to near authoritarian levels.

While they failed to define those “official” and “private” acts, conservative justices did specify that Trump’s conversations with former Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election results and all other communications were official duties, and can’t be used as evidence.   Likewise, Trump’s attempts to manipulate the U.S. Justice Department to end investigations are official – no matter how heinous –  and can’t be used.  Critics see such power being exploited by unscrupulous Presidents to commit criminal acts without consequence.  

While the job of prosecutors was made far more difficult, the opinion is less likely to affect the state cases against Trump.  The New York hush money cover up of campaign violations, and Trump’s effort to overturn Georgia’s election results, are more likely to be ruled “private” acts.   

The Special Prosecutor’s federal cases now return to Judges Tanya Chutkan and Aileen Cannon who must sort out what can and can’t be used – a process that will likely take months to resolve.

Read the decision and the scathing dissent at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  We’ve also linked resources on how to register to vote.   I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
U.S. Supreme Court Decision – Opinion in Trump v. United States

Associated Press – Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial
Democracy Docket – Trump Is Immune From Criminal Prosecution for Official Acts, Supreme Court Rules
Nebraska Examiner / States Newsroom – ‘No kings in America’: Biden slams U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting Trump immunity


Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (C.R.E.W.), Democracy 21American Constitution Society


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Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #TrumpCriminalTrials #SCOTUS #USSupremeCourt #CriminalImmunity


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Updates on Trump’s Immunity Challenge, AI Robocalls, and Election Denier-Fueled Hand Counting of Ballots https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2024/02/13/updates-on-trumps-immunity-challenge-ai-robocalls-and-election-denier-fueled-hand-counting-of-ballots/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:59:30 +0000 https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/?p=2982 From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!

We’re updating recent stories today, including Donald Trump’s request for a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court on his immunity case, action by the FCC on use of AI in robocalls, and more misguided attempts at large-scale hand counting of ballots.

The post Updates on Trump’s Immunity Challenge, AI Robocalls, and Election Denier-Fueled Hand Counting of Ballots appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!



Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

We’re updating recent stories today, including Donald Trump’s request for a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court on his immunity case, action by the FCC on use of AI in robocalls, and more misguided attempts at large-scale hand counting of ballots.

In an emergency appeal February 12th, former President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court to freeze the special prosecutor’s 2020 election case and the unanimous D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Trump did NOT have immunity. Trump’s lawyers argue that it would radically disrupt his campaign if he stands trial during the height of the election cycle.

In a unanimous vote, the FCC announced new rules February 8th banning AI-generated robocalls, giving law enforcement more tools. The announcement follows sanctions against a Texas company which attempted to suppress turnout in the New Hampshire Primary using an AI-created voice of President Joe Biden.

WyoFile news reports that Wyoming’s highest election official has expressed support for a Republican proposal to give the Park County Commission the option of hand counting its almost 17,000 ballots instead of using electronic ballot tabulators. Secretary of State Chuck Gray campaigned in 2022 suggesting irregularities with electronic tabulators in Wyoming’s 2020 elections. Donald Trump received 70% of Wyoming’s 278,503 votes.

We have links to details on all these stories at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
U.S. Supreme Court – APPLICATION FOR A STAY OF THE D.C. CIRCUIT’S MANDATE PENDING
THE FILING OF A PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI

SCOTUSBlog – Trump asks justices to intervene in Jan. 6 case
Federal Communications Commission – FCC MAKES AI-GENERATED VOICES IN ROBOCALLS ILLEGAL

WyoFile – State’s top elections official backs hand counting ballots in Park County
WyoFile – (2022) Election integrity front and center in secretary of state race
BallotPedia – Presidential election in Wyoming, 2020

Groups Taking Action:
Protect Elections, People for the American Way, Common Cause Stopping Cyber Suppression Project, Brennan Center, League of Women Voters WY


Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  

Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org

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Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX

#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #ElectionDeniers #TrumpCriminalTrial #SCOTUS #HandCounting #WyomingPolitics  #AIRobocalls #VoterSuppression

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Federal Appeals Court Rules Donald Trump Does Not Have Immunity from Prosecution https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2024/02/06/federal-appeals-court-finds-donald-trump-does-not-have-immunity-from-prosecution/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:52:59 +0000 https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/?p=2945 From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously February 6th that Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity from prosecution for alleged criminal actions after leaving the White House.

The post Federal Appeals Court Rules Donald Trump Does Not Have Immunity from Prosecution appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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From the American Democracy Minute Radio Report!



Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.


The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously February 6th that Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity from prosecution for alleged criminal actions after leaving the White House.

A lower federal court had previously found that Trump didn’t have immunity when he left office.   The decision allowed the case of Trump’s alleged election interference in the 2020 election to move forward, but Trump appealed.

The three-judge appeals panel affirmed that decision, QUOTE   “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant. But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution.”

Trump’s lawyers had filed four motions to dismiss, including presidential immunity, constitutional provisions, including the Impeachment Jeopardy Clause, statutory grounds; and allegations of selective and vindictive prosecution.   Legal scholars had suggested the arguments were “Hail Marys,” and all were rejected by the appeals court. 

Trump’s lawyers are expected to ask for a review by all D.C. Circuit judges.  While the rejection of immunity decision only applies to cases in the D.C. circuit, it impacts the largest federal case, that of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation of Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.

We have a link to the the D.C. Circuit’s opinion at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.  

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
D.C. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals – United States v. Donald J. Trump
CBS News – Trump not immune from prosecution in 2020 election case, appeals court says, siding with special counsel
Salon – “Complete nonsense”: Legal scholars demolish Trump claim of “presidential immunity” from prosecution
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (C.R.E.W) – Trump now thinks former presidents should be immune from prosecution. He spent years saying otherwise.

Groups Taking Action:
Protect Democracy, Campaign Legal CenterC.R.E.W


Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  

Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org

Want ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!

Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX

#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #PresidentialImmunity #Insurrection #TrumpProsecution

The post Federal Appeals Court Rules Donald Trump Does Not Have Immunity from Prosecution appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

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