Donald Trump returned to the Capitol to meet with Republican lawmakers in his first visit to the area since the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
The presumptive Republican nominee for November's presidential election delivered a message of unity, promising to “resolve” any remaining differences within the party.
Later that day, former President Lee was scheduled to meet with a group of about 200 business leaders.
Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that Trump was “the instigator of the riot… and has returned to the scene of the crime.”
The visit comes weeks after Trump was criminally convicted of falsifying business records at his Hush Money trial in New York.
He arrived at the Republican office building near the U.S. Capitol building Thursday morning, walking past a small group of protesters holding signs with slogans including “Failed Coup” and “Democracy Forever, Trump Never Trump.”
In a brief press conference Thursday afternoon, Trump said there was “great unity” within the party and pledged to stand by fellow Republicans, even those with whom he disagrees.
“I am with you all. I will always be with you,” he said. “It would have worked out if (the relationship) hadn’t been fantastic.
“We have one thing in mind, and that is to make our county great again.”
President Trump did not take questions, but waved and gave a thumbs up to a small group of supporters who chanted “I love you.”
“thank you.” He answered with his mouth.
After Trump's meeting with House Republicans earlier in the day, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the former president “brought an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm this morning.”
“This is what we are seeing in parties across the country,” Mr Johnson said. “We believe we will take back the White House and the Senate and increase our majority in the House.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has publicly criticized President Trump in the past, called the visit “really positive.”
“He got a lot of standing ovations,” McConnell added.
In addition to McConnell, two Trump critics within the party (Senator Mitt Romney of Utah and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana) attended the meeting.
Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley described President Trump as “very gracious” and “warm” to Republican senators.
“I think it’s been about five years since I’ve been here, and this is probably the warmest meeting I’ve ever had with a senator or President Trump,” he told reporters.
Hawley said Trump spoke about abortion “quite a bit” during the meeting and reiterated his stance that voters should be the ones to decide on the issue.
