The Insurrection That Wasn’t

Historians studying January 6 will no doubt mark the absence of any conviction — or even a charge — of insurrection despite all we heard about it from the sages of the law.

AP/Evan Vucci, file
President Trump at Washington, January 6, 2021. AP/Evan Vucci, file

One of the things historians of the future will focus on in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report is the issue of insurrection. Why was it never charged against President-elect Trump or anyone else? America’s failure, as the 47th president prepares to swear to the parchment and Mr. Smith departs, to find an insurrection stands as a signal moment in the election interference case, which foundered when voters delivered their verdict in November.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use