“We fight like hell, and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” former President Donald J. Trump said hours before the seizing of the Capitol January 6, according to The New York Times.  Although most would agree that these extremists should be liable for disrupting peace and inflicting violence in the Capitol, the American government and people must also hold the Mr. Trump responsible for inciting this insurrection against democracy.   

White supremacists and radicals occupied the United States Capitol January 6, donning pro-Trump apparel and Confederate flags to impede the Senate’s certification of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s Electoral College victory.  Trump loyalists invaded the Senate chamber and broke into the office of the Speaker of the House, Mrs. Nancy Pelosi, stealing Congressional documents and vandalizing property, including windows and artwork, according to The New York Times.  Furthermore, Mr. Trump’s supporters violently struggled with the police, causing the death of five people.  

As an Argentine, I grew up surrounded by corrupt leaders who governed for their personal gain, inflicting turmoil, division, and poverty on the South American nation.  To escape the unprincipled leadership that continues to ravage Argentines, my family and I moved to the United States: a country in which order presides due to its supposedly disciplined and incorruptible presidents.  Like thousands of immigrants, we came in pursuit of the American Dream, craving education, liberty, and the possibility to prosper and succeed.  Hence, it is both disappointing and frightening that the country that once granted opportunities to all is shattering its democracy with an authoritarian president who does not yield to the voice of the people and justice.  

Mr. Trump urged his followers multiple times to protest due to his belief that the recent presidential election was illegitimate.  Specifically, he tweeted “Big protest in D.C. on January 6th.  Be there.  Will be wild!” December 19, 2020, according to The New York Times. 

As if that were not enough, Mr. Trump incited violence in a speech he gave January 6, telling his supporters that they will “never take back [their] country with weakness,” according to The New York Times. 

In Argentina, presidents and other government officials are corrupt because they know that no matter what offenses they commit, there will be no consequences.  On the contrary, leaders of the United States face impeachment and removal from their positions if they act against the Constitution.  It is this knowledge of the repercussions that is supposed to prevent United States presidents from becoming corrupt.

If Mr. Trump does not receive consequences for his behavior, future presidents of the United States will believe that they will not face ramifications either.  Therefore, even though the rioters receive punishment for their unlawful actions, it is even more crucial that the American people and the United States government hold Mr. Trump accountable for encouraging his supporters to violently storm the Capitol.  As a result, order and prosperity will prevail in the United States.

Featured Image Courtesy of Mr. Pete Marovich