“We need an Oval Office address," Donald Trump Jr. texted White House chief of staff Mark Meadows about his father. "He has to lead now."
“Can he make a statement? Ask people to leave the Capitol?” Fox News’ Sean Hannity texted to Meadows during the riot, seeking action from Trump.
“Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home,” Fox News host Laura Ingraham texted.
“Please get him on TV,” the network’s Brian Kilmeade wrote. “Destroying everything you have accomplished.”
“He’s got to condemn this shit ASAP. The Capitol Police tweet is not enough,” Trump Jr., texted.
“I’m pushing it hard,” Meadows replied. “I agree.”
“We need an Oval Office address. He has to lead now,” Trump Jr. said. “It has gone too far and gotten out of hand.”