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Trump’s White House downplayed the Capitol riot as a mob stormed the building, with Ivanka Trump calling it ‘an optics issue,’ a new book says

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4 years ago

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  • As the Capitol riot unfolded, Trump’s White House did not immediately take the violence seriously.

  • Ivanka Trump called the scene “an optics issue.”

  • The moment is described in a forthcoming book by the author Michael Wolff.

As a violent mob sieged the Capitol on January 6, former President Donald Trump and some of his aides at the White House did not take the chaos seriously at first, according to a forthcoming book.

Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and then-senior advisor, described the ongoing riot as “an optics issue.” Instead of addressing the news or treating the situation with more gravity, she had been busy talking about her children’s acceptance into a private school in Florida with a “variety of people.”

That’s according to an excerpt of “Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency,” by the journalist and author Michael Wolff that was published in New York magazine on Monday.

Eventually, at 3:15 p.m., Ivanka called on the rioters – whom she called “American patriots” – to “be peaceful” in a tweet that was deleted shortly after.

Wolff went on to describe how Trump similarly downplayed the severity of the riot and debated with his aides for nearly an hour on whether he should speak publicly about it.

He first tweeted for the mob to “stay peaceful” nearly 25 minutes after they breached the Capitol. Yet some of his advisors began pressing Trump to make a stronger statement, presenting him with two different tweets he could put out, Wolff reported.

But Trump refused.

The proposed tweets accused “crazed leftists” and “ANTIFA” of staging the assault on the Capitol and urged Trump’s supporters to “head home,” according to Wolff. (The FBI has found no evidence of the rioters belonging to antifa or leftist groups.)

Trump instead tweeted, roughly 35 minutes after his first post, for his supporters to once again “remain peaceful.” This, after they had already broken into the building, interrupted lawmakers who were certifying the 2020 election results, and forced Congress and former Vice President Mike Pence to evacuate.

It wasn’t until 4:17 p.m., about two hours after the violence had begun, that Trump told the mob to go home, in a since-deleted video on Twitter.

Trump grew increasingly confused at the riot as time went on, Wolff reported. That evening, he wrote, Trump told an aide on the phone: “This looks terrible. This is really bad. Who are these people? These aren’t our people, these idiots with these outfits. They look like Democrats.”

Wolff’s book, which covers several other tumultuous moments in the last months of Trump’s presidency, comes out on July 27.

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Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

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4 weeks ago

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October 3, 2025

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Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

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Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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3 months ago

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July 30, 2025

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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6 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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