The Mindset of Whitewashing: Truth, January 6th, and Trauma-Informed Care
"Truth is the foundation of freedom, and accountability is its guardian. Without both, a nation cannot heal, grow, or stand united." - Mary Coughlin
The Mindset of Whitewashing: Truth, January 6th, and Trauma-Informed Care
Why Would a President Whitewash January 6th?
A Trauma-Informed Response to January 6th
The Mindset of Whitewashing
Truth matters. Without it, healing is impossible, trust disintegrates, and harm festers. The January 6th insurrection was not just a political crisis—it was a profound collective trauma. That day, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, leaving a trail of physical destruction, emotional scars, and societal fractures. It exposed the fragility of democracy and the enduring harm of unchecked misinformation.
Now, with President Donald Trump back in office and his recent decision to pardon over 1,500 individuals involved in the attack, the whitewashing of January 6th has reached a new and dangerous height. This deliberate rewriting of events—through mass pardons, reframed narratives, and a dismissal of accountability—represents not only a betrayal of the truth but also a profound obstacle to national healing.
The Truth of January 6th
On January 6, 2021, an organized mob, fueled by baseless claims of election fraud, stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of a democratic election. Law enforcement officers were assaulted, staff members feared for their lives, and symbols of hate and violence permeated the very halls of democracy. Five lives were lost as a direct result of the attack, and countless others suffered lasting physical and emotional trauma.
This was not a protest. It was an insurrection, an assault on the democratic process itself. Video footage, court testimony, and the rioters’ own words confirm the violent intent behind the event. Yet, efforts to whitewash this truth persist, aiming to recast the perpetrators as patriots and dismiss the attack as political dissent rather than an organized attempt to undermine democracy.
Why Would a President Whitewash January 6th?
President Trump’s decision to pardon those involved in the insurrection is deeply tied to motivations of self-preservation, political strategy, and control of the narrative. Trump’s rhetoric before, during, and after the event incited and legitimized the violence. Acknowledging the full truth of January 6th would mean accepting responsibility—a move that could carry legal, political, and reputational consequences.
The pardons also serve as a strategic move to solidify his influence over his base. By framing those involved in January 6th as victims of political persecution, Trump reinforces a narrative of loyalty and grievance, keeping his supporters emotionally engaged and politically active. These actions are not just about exonerating individuals—they are about protecting power and perpetuating a version of history that suits Trump’s personal and political interests.
The Harm of Whitewashing
Whitewashing January 6th—and the mass pardons in particular—represents an assault on truth, justice, and the principles of trauma-informed care.
Invalidating Victims:
The pardons and reframed narratives deny the pain and sacrifices of those directly harmed. Capitol police officers who risked their lives, lawmakers who feared for their safety, and citizens who watched their democracy under attack are all invalidated by efforts to minimize the event.
Eroding Accountability:
Pardoning those convicted of serious crimes like seditious conspiracy and assault undermines the rule of law. Accountability is a cornerstone of justice and repair, and without it, the nation risks sending a dangerous message that political violence can occur without consequence.
Perpetuating Trauma:
Trauma-informed care teaches us that healing begins with acknowledgment and accountability. Whitewashing retraumatizes those harmed by denying their experiences and leaving wounds unaddressed.
Undermining Democracy:
Efforts to rewrite the truth of January 6th erode trust in democratic institutions and embolden those who might see violence as a legitimate means to achieve political ends.
A Trauma-Informed Response to January 6th
Trauma-informed care offers a powerful framework for understanding how to approach January 6th and its aftermath. At its core, trauma-informed care emphasizes truth, transparency, and acknowledgment as essential to healing. Imagine if, instead of pardons and denial, the nation embraced a trauma-informed response:
Acknowledging Harm:
Public leaders and institutions would openly recognize the violence and trauma of January 6th, centering the voices of those harmed and validating their experiences.
Upholding Accountability:
Rather than dismissing consequences, a trauma-informed approach would see accountability as a step toward justice and collective repair.
Promoting National Healing:
By committing to truth-telling, dialogue, and education about the events of January 6th, the nation could build resilience against future threats to democracy.
Choosing Truth Over Denial
President Trump’s pardons of January 6th participants are a stark reminder of the dangers of whitewashing. This act not only rewrites history but also undermines the principles of justice, trust, and shared accountability that hold societies together. From a trauma-informed perspective, the consequences of denying harm are clear: wounds deepen, divisions grow, and healing becomes impossible.
Truth is not just a moral ideal—it is a necessity. Without it, the nation cannot move forward. Choosing truth means rejecting the comfort of denial and embracing the hard work of acknowledgment, accountability, and repair. It is the only path to healing the trauma of January 6th and preventing future violence.
Let January 6th stand as a testament to the power of truth and the danger of its erasure. Let it remind us that healing requires courage—the courage to face what happened, to acknowledge harm, and to commit to doing better. Only through truth can we rebuild trust, foster connection, and safeguard democracy for future generations.
In the spirit of truth, justice, and the unwavering pursuit of a more perfect union, let us carry forward the courage to face our past, the compassion to heal our wounds, and the resolve to protect the democracy that binds us together.
For liberty. For justice. For all.
– Together, we rise.
Mary
P.S. Your voice matters! After reading the post, let me know your thoughts — what resonated with you, what questions you have, or how you believe we can collectively move forward. Share your reflections in the comments or on social media! 🗨️✨
#TruthMatters #HealingTogether #CaringIsEssential
