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How did Donald Trump get back on Twitter? 'Go Away Donald' trends as 'coup leader' returns after Capitol riots

In a video tweet, Trump condemned the riots but called his supporters 'wonderful'. Soon after his Twitter return, #GoAwayDonald started trending online

On Wednesday, November 6, social media platform Twitter locked President Donald Trump out of his account for the first time, temporarily for 12 hours. This was the most punitive step the social media giant took against the president on a day of social unrest and violence in Washington. Now, the 12 hours ban on Trump's account has been lifted, and he is back with a video message calling his supporters "wonderful" and condemning the riot.

Soon after his return, #GoAwayDonald started trending on Twitter. In the 2 minutes and 41 seconds video, Trump defended his own past claims of electoral fraud but excused his most caustic rhetoric. "We have just been through an intense election, and the emotions are high, but now tempers must be cool and calm," Trump said.

"This moment calls for healing and reconciliation," said Trump, who spent years exercising his Twitter feed to attack his political rivals. "Now, Congress has certified the results, and a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth orderly and seamless transition of power," he said. 

"I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem. I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders,'" he said – contradicting the long delay before the National Guard was dispatched and statements by top military officials that they coordinated with Vice President Mike Pence on activating the Guard.

"America is and must always be a nation of law and order," Trump added. "The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engage in acts of violence and destruction. You do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will." He further added, "And to all of my wonderful supporters. I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning."

Trump’s relentless efforts to reverse the results of the 2020 election took a dangerous turn on Wednesday, January 6, when an armed and angry mob of his supporters stormed Capitol Hill and clashed with police just as Congress convened to validate Joe Biden’s presidential win.

A woman was fatally shot in the violence that ensued as pro-Trump protestors breached barricades and advanced into the halls of the Capitol building, smashing windows and brawled with police officers in what is widely being considered one of the worst security breaches in US history. 

A rowdy group of protestors, many of whom were waving Trump 2020 flags and wearing MAGA T-shirts, entered the second-floor lobby of the building right outside the Senate chamber, the doors of which were being guarded by law enforcement officials. The mob succeeded to get past the guards and enter the Senate chamber, where just moments earlier the election results were being certified.

According to the Guardian, one of the rioters was seen climbing up on the dais and yelling, “Trump won that election.” Four people were reported dead during the riots and several were taken into custody.

As soon as he released the video on his Twitter account, a user said, "The coup leader has returned to Twitter! #GoAwayDonald," and "There is not a single thing Donald Trump could say or do to undo the damage he caused on January 6th. He spent weeks fueling the rage of his crazed followers & it all culminated in a violent invasion of one of the most sacred buildings in the entire country. Shame on him forever."

Some called the video fake, as one wrote, "I... Think this is fake. This was him yesterday in the Rose Garden on CNN. Then look at the earlier videos within the last 2 weeks. Different weight, whiter hair, not orange. Also look at the artificating and facial blur compared to the suite. I think it's a deep fake." One user asked, "Aren’t you afraid this will be seen as a weakness Donnie? Do you really think at this point anyone, including your base, believes anything you just posted? #GoAwayDonald"

One user questioned, "Those who broke the law are going to pay? Does that include you? #GoAwayDonald." Another user said, "Trump instigated an insurrection. His followers built a gallows outside the Capitol building and entered the building carrying zip cuffs looking for people. You are all traitors and a fifth column working against America."