Republican Senator Questions Nancy Pelosi's Role In Capitol Riots, Draws Outrage On Twitter

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., drew criticism on social media Sunday for stating that there’s “no reason” to impeach former President Donald Trump, as well as suggesting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi deserved some blame for the Capitol Riots on Jan. 6.

Appearing on Wisconsin television, Johnson shared his stance on the upcoming impeachment trial.

"This is not a good thing to do. There's no reason to do this, and we shouldn't do it," he said.

"President Biden, in his inaugural address, talked about healing, talked about unifying this county. Is the impeachment trial of a former president, is that healing? Is that going to unify? I would argue no, it's very vindictive, it's very divisive, and we need to heal," Johnson said. "We need to come together. We have enormous challenges facing this nation and impeachment trial of a former president is not part of the solution."

But Johnson received more criticism when he appeared Sunday on Fox News, where he made comments about Pelosi's possible role in the riots.

“We now know that 45 Republican senators believe it’s unconstitutional -- is this another diversion operation? Is this meant to deflect away from potentially what the speaker knew and when she knew it? I don’t know, but I’m suspicious,” Johnson told host Maria Bartiromo.

It's unclear what Johnson seemed to suggest about Pelosi and her role in the riots. Pelosi was among the Democrats to be targeted by rioters. She has been vocal about lawmakers seeking counseling sessions after the riots left many traumatized.

Johnson's name quickly trended on Twitter.

Ron Johnson absurdly floats that Nancy Pelosi is somehow responsible for a MAGA mob descending on the Capitol for a deadly insurrection pic.twitter.com/hUi6SydEe1
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 7, 2021

This is a coordinated campaign to shift blame to PELOSI for the January 6 attack.

Ron Johnson was on the same program saying impeachment was an effort to distract from Pelosi's culpability.

It's completely unhinged but that's where they are. https://t.co/HbdfXZSv9j
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) February 7, 2021

Johnson, who has been a strong supporter of Trump, has not responded to the backlash or given more context for his comments. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel had recently called out Johnson for “his role in spreading disinformation about the presidential election.”

Trump's impeachment trial begins Tuesday. Trump, who will not testify, is expected to be acquitted due to Republican support.