The Evolving Views on the January 6th Capitol Attack

The January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to be met with disapproval from a large majority of Americans, though the intensity of that disapproval has shifted, particularly among Republicans.

A recent CBS News poll reveals that the percentage of Republicans who strongly disapprove of the attack has dropped significantly since January 2021, falling from 51% to 30%. This softening of disapproval coincides with a growing support among Republicans for Donald Trump to pardon those involved in the attack, a sentiment opposed by most Americans overall.

The poll also highlights a stark contrast in public opinion regarding the actions of those who stormed the Capitol and potential pardons for their involvement. While a majority disapproves of the attack, a significant portion of those who somewhat disapprove favor Trump pardons. This group includes many Republicans and 2024 Trump voters.

Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, the poll reveals that nearly all Republicans consider Donald Trump the legitimate winner, mirroring the sentiment of most Americans. This view stands in stark contrast to their perception of the 2020 election, where most Republicans initially believed President Biden was not the legitimate winner.

These findings underscore the evolving landscape of public opinion surrounding the January 6th attack and its implications for the 2024 election. While disapproval of the attack remains widespread, the intensity of that disapproval has waned among Republicans, accompanied by a growing support for potential pardons. Additionally, the perception of the 2024 election outcome among Republicans aligns with their view of the 2020 election, further highlighting the partisan divide on these issues.