House Republicans shy away from Trump and Rep. Elise Stefanik's use of term "Jan. 6 hostages"

Former President Trump's controversial and provocative claim that Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants are "hostages" has been echoed by some — but only some — of his Republican allies in Congress. In a series of interviews conducted by CBS News, Trump's congressional supporters, including some who have endorsed his 2024 White House candidacy, largely declined to endorse Trump's use of the word "hostages."   

In campaign stump speeches over the past month, Trump has argued the defendants who are imprisoned for their roles in the attack on the U.S. Capitol are "hostages," and he has openly talked about offering pardons for the defendants. GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who oversees House Republican messaging as the House GOP conference chairwoman, also used the term "hostages" when describing Capitol riot defendants during an appearance on "Meet the Press" earlier this month.