Pelosi Admits ‘Total Failure’ On Jan. 6, Then Targets Trump In New Footage

In newly released footage from Jan. 6, 2021, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is seen admitting to a significant failure in handling security at the Capitol — a failure she quickly sought to shift onto then-President Donald Trump. The video, filmed by Pelosi’s daughter, captures a candid moment where Pelosi concedes, “We have totally failed,” acknowledging the need for earlier intervention by the National Guard.

Pelosi, however, did not dwell on this admission. Instead, she swiftly turned her attention to how the crisis could be used to target Trump, whom she had long criticized. Following the Capitol breach, Pelosi focused on certifying Joe Biden’s victory but soon after stated, “He’s got to pay a price for that,” referring to Trump’s role in the day’s events.

This footage, which has now been reviewed by POLITICO and handed over to the Republican-led House Committee on Administration, provides new insights into Pelosi’s response to the chaos of Jan. 6. While she publicly blamed Trump for the violence, the video shows Pelosi privately acknowledging her own responsibility for the security lapse—responsibility she never publicly accepted.

The footage further reveals internal discussions about who should be held accountable for the security breakdown. Pelosi’s ultimate focus on Trump, despite his call for peaceful protest, underscores the political maneuvering that followed the Capitol breach. Critics argue that as Speaker, Pelosi bore significant responsibility for Capitol security and should answer for her role in the failures of that day.