Trump says he wanted what Jan. 6 insurrectionists wanted in newly released audio

On Anderson Cooper 360 Wednesday, Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, authors of I Alone Can Fix It, a book chronicling former President Trump’s tumultuous last year in office, revealed for the first time audio of an interview they did with Trump for the book. Though much of the audio was filled with rehashed conspiracies and falsehoods about the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, Trump did reveal that he shared a common goal with the insurrectionists.

“I wanted — I mean, personally, what I wanted is what they wanted,” Trump said. “They showed up just to show support, because I happen to believe the election was rigged at a level like nothing has ever been rigged before.”

Trump also revealed why he believes the Supreme Court refused to hear any election challenges.

“I’m very disappointed in the Supreme Court,” Trump said. “What do you think they were afraid of?” Leonnig asked. “I guess they thought that it would be violent, maybe,” Trump replied. “And it was violent the other way perhaps, I don't know. I guess they thought it would be violent.”

Video Transcript

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DONALD TRUMP (ON PHONE): I wanted-- I mean, personally, what I wanted is what they wanted. They showed up just to show support because I happen to believe the election was rigged.

KYLIE MAR: Writers Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, authors of "I Alone Can Fix It," a book about former President Trump's tumultuous last year in office, joined to "Anderson Cooper 360" Wednesday, where they shared exclusive audio from an interview with Trump. In the audio, Trump revealed that he and the January 6 Capitol insurrectionists shared a common goal. And, once again, lamented the fact that former Vice President Mike Pence didn't personally overturn the election that day, which Pence did not have the power to do under the Constitution.

DONALD TRUMP (ON PHONE): It says very, very clearly protect the Constitution of the United States. I don't believe he's just supposed to be a statue who gets these votes from the states and immediately hands them over.

KYLIE MAR: Asked about his future with Pence, Trump remained noncommittal and, once again, expressed his disappointment in his former VP. I'm not locked into anything. I mean, I'm not locked into--

PHILIP RUCKER (ON PHONE): And what if he were? I mean, he could run against you in a primary. He wants to run for president too.

DONALD TRUMP (ON PHONE): Everybody-- it's a free country, right? It's a free country. I always liked Mike. I was very disappointed. And so were a lot of Republicans.

KYLIE MAR: Trump also revealed why he believes the Supreme Court refused to hear any election challenges.

DONALD TRUMP (ON PHONE): I'm very disappointed in the Supreme Court.

CAROL LEONNIG (ON PHONE): What do you think they were afraid of?

DONALD TRUMP (ON PHONE): They-- I guess they thought that it would be violent maybe. And it was violent the other way, perhaps. I don't know. But I guess they thought that it would be violent.

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