Politics
Marjorie Taylor Greene called out for calling Biden inauguration an ‘insurrection’
By Jake Beardslee · February 9, 2024
In brief…
- Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed Biden's inauguration security was an "insurrection"
- She was widely mocked online for not understanding what "insurrection" means
- Greene is a vocal supporter of Trump, who faces prosecution for Jan 6
- The appeals court ruled Trump does not have immunity from prosecution
Marjorie Taylor Greene sparked backlash on social media after claiming that the heavy National Guard presence at President Joe Biden’s inauguration last year amounted to an “insurrection.”
The controversial Republican congresswoman from Georgia told reporters, “When Joe Biden was inaugurated and this entire Capitol complex was surrounded with 30,000 National Guard troops, none of you stood there and called that an insurrection.” She contrasted this with the condemnation of the January 6, 2021 rioters who stormed the Capitol to try to overturn the 2020 election results, saying “When they came to Washington and protested all of you called it an insurrection.”
Greene has repeatedly downplayed the severity of the January 6 attack, even visiting some rioters in jail and calling them “political prisoners.” But her comments equating Biden’s inauguration security with an insurrection did not go over well online.
Former RNC chairman Michael Steele pointed out, “A. National Guard surround the Capitol at every inauguration. It’s called protection. Not insurrection.” He added, “B. Because YOUR friends committed violent acts on the Capitol grounds 2 weeks before-THAT’S called insurrection-the Guard was increased.”
Others noted the National Guard presence was increased precisely due to the January 6 insurrection that Greene herself supported. Semafor journalist David Weigel quipped, “Between this and Greene calling every protest in Cannon an ‘insurrection’ I don’t think she knows what the word means.”
Greene is one of former President Donald Trump’s biggest supporters in Congress. Trump currently faces possible criminal prosecution for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election on January 6.
An appeals court ruled this week that Trump does not have immunity from prosecution for acts committed in office. Trump denounced the ruling, claiming a president needs “complete immunity” to properly serve. He has said he will appeal.