January 6 Hearing Garners Over 19 Million Viewers

June 10, 2022

On Thursday night, the opening House hearing exploring the events that happened on January six and who was responsible gained over 19 million viewers. With the expectance of more views as the hearing becomes more accessible, the hearing began at 8 PM in order to gain the public’s attention so that they can understand the events that happened and took place. Although FOX news, the biggest cable channel in America, did not air the hearing and continued, as usual, they still captured the attention of many American citizens. Online, January 6 and the capitol riot trended, along with key names like Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Mike Pence.

"Trump gave no order to deploy the National Guard that day, and made no effort to work with the Department of Justice to coordinate and deploy law enforcement assets. But Mike Pence did." – @RepLizCheney

Testimony from General Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: pic.twitter.com/X6MzHl4hHj

— January 6th Committee (@January6thCmte) June 10, 2022

According to the New York Times, “Over about two hours, the panel offered new information about what it characterized as an attempted coup orchestrated by Mr. Trump that culminated in the deadly assault on the Capitol.” The findings seemed to put former president Trump in the middle of the capital riot, with many believing he was the key force behind what happened on January 6. “The January 6 Capitol siege wasn’t some random, disorganized, unplanned event. It was a planned attack executed by extremist groups and incited by Donald Trump. It was a culmination of a months-long conspiracy to overturn the election based entirely on a lie. You can’t spin this,” one person wrote.

The House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack held its first prime-time hearing Thursday evening.

For those who missed it, here are some of @chriscillizza’s most consequential lines https://t.co/bgshJKO3OE

— CNN (@CNN) June 10, 2022

Conservatives on Fox News, however, do not agree with this narrative and believe that they are spinning lies to gain votes in the midterms. Tucker Carlson, a Republican political commentator on Fox News, said “We’re not playing along with the January 6 show trial hearing. The whole thing is insulting. They are lying, and we’re not going to help them do it.” This got some support, but others criticized him, as they believed Fox News was just afraid to show their viewers the evidence and footage from what happened. “We’re not playing along with the January 6 show trial hearing. The whole thing is insulting. They are trying to show you reality, and we’re not going to let them do it,” one person responded on Twitter.

We’re not playing along with the January 6 show trial hearing. The whole thing is insulting. They are lying, and we’re not going to help them do it. https://t.co/GT9NLRN9D2 pic.twitter.com/PDT9g758br

— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) June 10, 2022

Last night’s hearing is only one of six to come, which will continue to be played on most news stations. Many find these hearings important, as some connect them to the upholding of democracy and the importance of voting and elections.