Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Trump Awards Military Honors to Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt
Former President Trump is giving military honors to Ashli Babbitt, a person who died during the January 6th Capitol riot.
This decision is seen as a way for Trump to change how people see the events of that day, portraying the rioters as heroes.
Babbitt's family requested these honors earlier, and the Air Force initially denied them, but has now reversed that decision.
Some people think this is wrong because Babbitt was part of an insurrection, while others, including Trump supporters, believe it's a way of honoring her service.
This move is part of a larger effort to rewrite the history of the riot and potentially influence the upcoming election.
Donald Trump is awarding military honors to Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
The Air Force Undersecretary Matt Lohmeier reversed an earlier decision denying Babbitt military honors.
Babbitt's death has been a focal point for Trump and his supporters, who view her as a 'martyr'.
Critics suggest this move is part of Trump's effort to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 riot.
The decision follows a settlement awarding the Babbitt family nearly $5 million.
- Who
- Donald Trump and the Air Force Undersecretary Matt Lohmeier
- What
- Awarded military honors to Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the January 6 Capitol riot.
- When
- Recently
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To reframe Jan. 6 participants as patriotic heroes and potentially influence the 2024 election.
Critics
Supporters
Characterization of Jan. 6 Participants
Critics
Rioters' actions dishonored their service.
Supporters
Jan. 6 participants are patriotic heroes.
Justification of Honors
Critics
Awarding honors legitimizes the rioters and blurs the line between service and an assault on democratic institutions.
Supporters
Awarding honors is a way of honoring Babbitt's service.
- Honoree
- Ashli Babbitt
- Babbitt's Status
- Air Force veteran
- Incident Date
- January 6
- Action
- Granting military funeral honors
- Decision by
- Air Force Undersecretary Matt Lohmeier