Donald Trump Salutes Jan. 6 ‘Hostages’ as National Anthem Plays

Former President Donald Trump saluted January 6, 2021, rioters in the crowd at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday.

Trump, who was in Ohio for a campaign stop at the Buckeye Values PAC rally, honored and thanked the participants of the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol.

“Please rise for the horribly and unfairly treated January 6 hostages,” an announcer said. Trump saluted and the crowd stood as the National Anthem played.

Journalist Aaron Rupar shared a video of the moment on X, formerly Twitter, where it quickly amassed 100,000 views and more than 100 comments on Saturday.

Trump also opened his speech by thanking the rioters and calling them “unbelievable patriots.”

“Thank you very much, and you see the spirit from the hostages, and that’s what they are – hostages,” he said.