In an interview with Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union“, Michigan Republican Fred Upton said it was “totally bogus” for Republicans to downplay the events of January 6th. The statement came during a discussion of the creation of a “January 6th Commission” to study the attempted insurrection by Trump loyalists. Republicans were deeply concerned that the study of the Trump insurrection would have a Democratic majority, and Republicans wouldn’t be able to install Trump loyalists who would be able to derail the proceedings with yammerings of “What about Hunter Biden!” Less MAGA Republicans appear to be angling to try to throw the “small fish” Trump loyalists under the bus while thwarting any actions that may do serious damage to the Republican Party’s major political donors.

Bash played a montage of hardcore MAGA GOP lawmakers insisting that the insurrection was a peaceful gathering that didn’t involve any violence or vandalism. Upton responded with the “bogus, it’s totally bogus” statement, and described his first-hand experience seeing the events of that day, including smelling the tear gas being used to deter the insurrectionists, and being moved out of the House Chamber. Upton went on to say that his colleagues agreed the events of the day were “terribly frightening”, and mentioned the gallows that were constructed on the East Front of the Capitol, which some protesters allegedly claimed were erected for the purpose of hanging Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi.