MAGA lawmaker spews conspiracy theories when pressed on Trump slush fund

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) broke with a number of his Republican congressional colleagues to enthusiastically endorse President Donald Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to pay out $1.776 billion to his allies who believe they were unfairly persecuted by the government — but when a reporter asked him about whether January 6 rioters would be eligible, things went off the rails.

When asked about "people who assaulted police," Norman, who is currently running for governor of South Carolina, replied, "Look, January 6 is an issue that was made up in the first place."

"People were convicted of assaulting police," the reporter said.

"Well, I know," he said. "That was a staged thing from day one."

"What about it was staged?" asked the reporter.

"Well, you had police officers let people in the building," said Norman. "We had people who have not been prosecuted, Ray, I forget his name. There's no excuse for that."

"Your Republican colleagues ran for their lives and barricaded themselves in their chamber. Do you think they were acting?" said the reporter.

"No, there was a riot there, but it was a self-made riot by the members who hate Trump. It was made up," said Norman.