In a heated Senate hearing, Senator Ted Cruz questioned former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s role in delaying National Guard deployment on January 6, 2021. Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the acting Secretary of Defense, revealed that discussions about deploying 20,000 troops took place before the riot, but no official request was made.

Cruz pressed Patel on why security reinforcements were repeatedly declined. Patel confirmed that the House Sergeant at Arms, who reported to Pelosi, rejected offers from the Department of Defense. Cruz emphasized Pelosi’s role in these decisions, fueling ongoing criticism of her handling of Capitol security.

The interrogation intensified as Cruz questioned D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s refusal of National Guard assistance. Patel confirmed that Bowser formally declined additional support before the riot. This supported Cruz’s argument that key officials failed to act on security threats, echoing concerns raised by former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund.

Cruz’s questioning has reignited debate over accountability. Critics argue that rejecting National Guard support left the Capitol vulnerable, while Pelosi’s supporters insist local authorities followed protocol. The viral exchange has deepened political divides, keeping the issue at the forefront of national discourse.