Newly released footage from the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach shows then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referring to then-President Donald Trump as a "domestic enemy" in private conversations.

The footage, provided by HBO, captures Pelosi's discussions on the potential use of the 25th Amendment and her frustration with the Capitol's security failures during and after the attack, as the BBC reports.

The footage spans three days, from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7, 2021, and offers a rare glimpse into Pelosi's thoughts and actions as the Capitol was overrun by Trump's supporters.

The breach of the U.S. Capitol occurred when a pro-Trump mob stormed the building in an effort to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. In the newly revealed footage, Pelosi can be seen being evacuated from the Capitol to Fort McNair, where she discusses the dire situation with her staff and colleagues.

Pelosi's Concerns Over Security and the 25th Amendment

Pelosi's concerns about Capitol security are evident throughout the footage. She questions the absence of the National Guard during the attack and expresses her frustration with the leadership of the U.S. Capitol Police. At one point, she remarks on the failure to hold security accountable, acknowledging some responsibility for the breaches.

During these discussions, Pelosi also contemplates the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, a measure that would have required the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unfit for duty. Pelosi's determination to hold Trump accountable is clear, as she expresses her disgust over his actions while being driven away from the Capitol in an SUV.

Footage Highlights Leadership Failures

The footage also highlights the leadership failures that contributed to the security lapses on Jan. 6. In one clip, Pelosi is seen discussing the resignation of U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund with a communications aide. Sund, along with House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving, was forced to resign following the riot due to the perceived failures in preparing for and responding to the attack.

Pelosi's private remarks contrast with her public statements at the time. While she did not publicly use the term "domestic enemy," the footage shows her privately asserting, "There is a domestic enemy in the White House. Let's not mince words about this." This blunt characterization underscores the depth of her concerns about Trump's role in inciting the attack.

Republican Criticism of Pelosi's Leadership

The footage has also rekindled Republican criticism of Pelosi's leadership. Georgia Republican Congressman Barry Loudermilk, a member of the House Committee on Administration, has criticized Pelosi for not taking responsibility for the security failings on Jan. 6. He contends that the newly unearthed footage offers nothing new and accuses Pelosi of shifting the blame to Trump rather than acknowledging her own role in the security lapses.

Despite these criticisms, the footage makes clear that Pelosi was deeply concerned about the security failures and the implications of the attack on the nation's democratic processes. In one scene, she is heard saying, "If they stopped the proceedings, we will have totally failed. And we've got to take some responsibility for not holding the security accountable for what could have happened. We have got to finish the proceedings."

Pelosi's Emotional Reaction to the Attack

Pelosi's emotional reaction to the attack is palpable throughout the footage. In the early hours of Jan. 7, 2021, as she reflects on the day's events, she expresses her disgust with Trump's actions, saying, "I just feel sick about what he did to the Capitol and to the country today. He's going to pay a price for that." Her words reveal a mix of anger and resolve, as she grapples with the consequences of the breach and the role of the president in inciting it.

The footage also captures Pelosi's frustration with the response of Capitol security forces. At one point, she exclaims, "I can't believe the stupidity of these people. And I take full responsibility." This admission highlights the complexity of the situation, as Pelosi navigated the immediate aftermath of the attack while also confronting the failures within the security apparatus that was supposed to protect the Capitol.

The Broader Impact of the Jan. 6 Footage

The release of this footage adds a new layer of understanding to the events of Jan. 6, 2021. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by Pelosi and other congressional leaders as they sought to respond to an unprecedented situation at the Capitol.

The footage also underscores the intense pressure and emotional toll experienced by those in leadership positions during the crisis.

As the footage continues to be analyzed and discussed, it is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the events of Jan. 6 and the responsibilities of those involved. While the footage does not necessarily change the narrative of that day, it provides a more nuanced view of Pelosi's actions and thoughts as the attack unfolded.

Conclusion: A Complex and Emotional Moment in History

In conclusion, the newly released footage from Jan. 6, 2021, sheds light on Nancy Pelosi's private reactions and actions during one of the most tumultuous days in American history.

From her labeling of Trump as a "domestic enemy" to her concerns over security failures and the use of the 25th Amendment, the footage reveals the complexity of the situation she faced.

As the footage continues to be scrutinized, it serves as a reminder of the intense pressures and emotional challenges that come with leadership in moments of crisis.