Democrat Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, who is retiring from Congress, claimed that former President Donald Trump tried to kill her during the Capitol unrest of Jan. 6, 2021. Kuster, a representative since 2013, discussed her experiences from that day, as well as her thoughts on the 2024 elections, her future in politics, and her ongoing support for Democratic women.

In a candid statement, Kuster recalled what she says was a harrowing escape from the Capitol and explained her reasons for stepping down from Congress, including her frustrations with the Democratic Party's challenges in engaging younger voters, as the Daily Caller reports.

Kuster, who has served New Hampshire’s 2nd District for over a decade, became one of the last members of Congress still in the Capitol gallery during the Jan. 6 demonstration. As protestors stormed the building, she recounted the terrifying moments before she was evacuated.

"I was one of the last members of Congress in the gallery on Jan. 6, and as it turns out, we have the security footage that shows it was only 30 seconds from when I was able to evacuate that the insurrectionists were in that hallway hunting for us with zip ties and bear mace and who knows what else," she recalled.

The former representative did not hold back in her accusations against Trump, saying, "He tried to kill me once." Kuster emphasized how close she came to danger, underscoring that she didn’t believe the insurrectionists would have spared her. "I just felt like, he tried to kill me once. I’m not available for it again," she added.

The Capitol breach left an indelible mark on Kuster, who said that she is not “prepared to be the gladiator, if you will, again for him.” Her statements reflect the trauma many lawmakers experienced that day, though Kuster's remarks have heightened attention to the psychological scars left by the events surrounding Trump’s role in the insurrection.

Kuster’s Frustration with the Democratic Party

In her farewell address to Congress, Kuster shared her thoughts on the Democratic Party's challenges in the upcoming elections, particularly its struggle to connect with younger voters. She expressed frustration over the party's inability to engage a generation that she believed should naturally align with progressive values.

“We somehow have missed the opportunity to connect with a whole generation of young people that we assumed, just by the laws of nature, would be more progressive and more close to our perspective,” Kuster remarked. She said that this failure to engage younger voters could cost the Democrats in 2024, which is why she is stepping away from the political arena.

Kuster acknowledged the concerns many voters have about the current administration—issues such as inflation, rising crime, and border security. However, she criticized Trump’s approach to these problems, particularly his use of tariffs, which she argued would hurt Americans by raising food prices. "And there’s a lot of reasons that people had for their vote, but I don’t believe the approach of the Trump administration is going to fix those issues for them," she stated.

Kuster also addressed the overall direction of the Democratic Party, expressing discontent with its leadership. "We’ve been led by octogenarians," she said, referring to the age of many key figures in the party. She argued that this leadership gap has hindered the Democrats' ability to address the concerns of younger voters, further contributing to the party’s challenges in the coming elections.

Kuster’s Retirement Decision

After years of navigating the shifting political landscape in her district, Kuster made the decision to retire from Congress in 2024. "I’ve always said I wasn’t going to stay forever," she noted, revealing her reasons for stepping down. She described herself as "literally exhausted" from the demanding task of representing a district that has gone from solidly Republican to more competitive.

Kuster’s departure marks the end of a political career that saw her turn a historically red district into a battleground. "I’m going to stay involved, but not on the ballot," she said, emphasizing that her work in politics would continue, albeit in a different capacity. She plans to focus on helping to elect more Democratic women to office in the future, a cause she has long championed.

Despite stepping away from the political spotlight, Kuster remains committed to the future of her party and its representation in Congress. Her decision to retire signals a shift in her priorities, choosing to mentor and support the next generation of political leaders rather than fight the same battles from the past.

Kuster’s Political Legacy and the 2024 Election

With Kuster’s retirement, New Hampshire’s 2nd District is left with the question of who will succeed her. Her decision to retire comes at a time of great uncertainty for the Democratic Party, particularly as it heads into the 2024 presidential election. Kuster’s candid reflections on Trump’s influence and the challenges facing Democrats could be seen as a warning to her party as it prepares for another election cycle with deep divisions.

As for the 2024 elections, Kuster predicted that Trump’s influence would ultimately hurt the Republican Party, particularly as the negative effects of his policies become more apparent. "I think we will win the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election," she said, looking ahead to a future when the consequences of Trump’s presidency may push voters back toward the Democrats.

While Kuster is leaving Congress, she remains confident that her party’s future will be shaped by a new generation of leaders who can better connect with the challenges of the present day. As she exits the political stage, Kuster leaves behind a legacy of perseverance in the face of personal danger, a commitment to Democratic Party values, and a firm belief in the power of female leadership in politics.

A Difficult Goodbye

Kuster’s decision to leave Congress represents both a personal and political crossroads. It reflects the emotional toll that years of political service -- especially amid the aftermath of Jan. 6 -- has taken on her. Yet, it also signals a new chapter for her, one where she hopes to guide the next wave of leaders without the burden of re-election campaigns.

In her final address, Kuster expressed gratitude for her time in office, even as she acknowledged the difficulty of balancing her personal and professional life. As for her future, she will remain a prominent figure in New Hampshire’s political landscape, offering guidance to those who come after her while keeping a keen eye on the evolving political scene.

Through it all, Kuster’s commitment to Democratic Party causes and to the empowerment of women in politics remains unwavering, even as she steps away from public office. Her retirement marks the end of one era but the beginning of another, focused on advocacy and mentorship rather than political combat.