Michael Fanone, a retired hero of the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. Most recently, he aired his grievances on Jim Acosta’s show, blaming GOP leadership for the unwillingness to even show off a dedication plaque to the law enforcement heroes tired of Trump’s tirades. Fanone, author of the memoir “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop’s Battle for America’s Soul,” expressed deep discontent with the actions of Donald Trump and his Republican allies during and after the Capitol attack.
During his testimony, Fanone specifically criticized Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. He called on Johnson to pay tribute to those officers’ bravery in defending the Capitol. He said the proposed location would make its installation more symbolic than purposeful.
Fanone took to social media to share his disgust with Johnson’s position. He proposed, “The ideal location would be up his a–.”
Fanone’s remarks went beyond condemning the failure to honor law enforcement. He similarly condemned Trump’s failure to respond to the insurrection’s violent aftermath. He called a number of top Republican lawmakers “petty bitches,” a quality he’s said they have in common with Trump personally.
“Most Republican leaders are petty bitches – just like their dear leader is a petty bitch,” Fanone asserted. He blamed politicians for trying to pretend they’re on the side of law enforcement. They consistently don’t put their money where their claims are when it really matters.
Here is Fanone’s personal account of that horrific day as he recounted the traumatic experience. One rioter lunged at him and jabbed a stun gun into his neck. The accomplice who organized the attack was given 12 years in prison. Trump subsequently pardoned them, as well as more than 1,500 other people involved in the insurrection.
Fanone’s sentiments echo a broader concern among law enforcement officials who feel betrayed by politicians who profess support for them while taking actions contrary to that support. As he said, “There is no misunderstanding in their minds about how Republican legislators feel about them. They’re definitely not going to start pleading with Mike Johnson to install this plaque.”
His comments come in response to a social media post from Trump’s official account, which stated, “Many politicians say they back the blue – then betray them. Never President Trump.” An anonymous commenter pointed out, “Trump backs the blue unless they work at the Capitol building.”
The discussion on Acosta’s show reflected much of the national debate in downplaying the war between cops and mayors/political leaders. As Fanone told us, most of the officers who were on duty that terrible day do not want accolades or medals. Rather, they are simply seeking the respect and acknowledgment that is commensurate with their sacrifices.
They’re sure as hell not going to plead with Mike Johnson to install this plaque, Fanone reiterated. I told him to stick it up his ass. In large part, it channels the overwhelming disappointment of the very cops who put up such a heroic battle themselves on January 6.