The statements of former US President Donald Trump about election fraud and the subsequent riots at the Capitol building in Washington cost taxpayers $ 519 million. This is reported by The Washington Post, citing federal and local government spending records.
“Spending grew daily as government agencies at all levels were forced to use budgetary funds to respond to the actions of Trump and his supporters. The costs included court fees on dozens of lawsuits, increased security for election commissioners in response to threats, recovery work after the insurgency January 6 at the Capitol “, – the newspaper notes.
Thus, 480 million dollars were allocated for the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, and 28 million for ensuring the security of the inauguration of the new President Joe Biden. Another two million dollars were spent on litigation and ensuring the safety of election commissioners, writes The Washington Post.
Earlier it was reported that American lawmakers may suspend the impeachment process against Trump on the evening of February 12, if it lasts until that time. The politician’s lawyer asked lawmakers to suspend the proceedings due to the need to observe Shabbat.
On January 6, Republican protesters stormed the Capitol building and surrounded the Senate Hall. The Senate and the House of Representatives interrupted a meeting at which it was planned to approve the results of the last presidential election. During the protests, police detained nearly 70 rioters, killing five. On January 14, the US House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump in the wake of the riots in Washington.