Trump Triumphs Peacefully in 2024 as New Projects Reflect on Capitol Riot’s Legacy

WASHINGTON — Jan. 6, 2021, remains a significant date in U.S. history due to the storming of the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, who disputed the outcome of the 2020 election. This event, characterized by chaos and violence, took a deadly turn and led to widespread shock and condemnation.

Four years later, on the same date in 2025, a stark contrast emerged as Congress peacefully certified Donald Trump’s presidential victory after the 2024 election. The ceremony, presided over by defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, passed without incident, marking a return to peaceful democratic processes.

The anniversary has spawned various media projects aimed at exploring the depth and impact of the 2021 Capitol breach. Among these are four documentaries and a memoir that shed light on the day’s events through multiple lenses and perspectives.

One of the notable documentaries, “Four Hours at the Capitol,” produced by HBO, directed by Jamie Roberts, showcases unseen footage and firsthand testimonies from law enforcement, rioters, and Capitol staffers. Released shortly after the events, the documentary has been well received, with high ratings for its in-depth and engaging narrative.

Another HBO documentary, “The Insurrectionist Next Door,” debuted in 2023. This film features interviews with participants of the riot, many expressing remorse for their actions. Filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi provides an intimate look at the individuals behind the chaos, probing their motivations and subsequent changes in perspective.

A24’s “The Sixth,” directed by Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, also takes an immersive approach, offering viewers a point-of-view experience of the attacks and detailing the efforts of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department to manage the situation. This documentary contributes further to the discourse on how such a breach could happen in America’s seat of governance.

The literary world has not remained silent on the issue, either. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, penned “Enough,” detailing her insider perspective during Trump’s administration and her role as a congressional witness during the Jan. 6 investigations. Her book, which sparked significant discussion, highlights the internal conflicts faced by those within the administration during the unfolding crisis.

Furthermore, “Fight Like Hell,” a documentary directed by Jon Long and available on YouTube, offers an expansive look at the “Stop the Steal” movement. It critically examines the buildup to January 6, providing a broader context on the political climate that culminated in the attack on the Capitol.

These projects collectively contribute to a broader understanding of a pivotal moment in American history, offering diverse perspectives from those who witnessed, reported, and participated in the events. They also serve as a reflection on the robustness of democratic institutions and the ongoing effort to safeguard them against future threats. As the nation continues to process and learn from these events, these documentaries and books offer valuable insights into the fragility and resilience of democracy.