January 6th Civil Case Against Trump Advances
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2026
Washington, D.C. — In a historic ruling late last night, Judge Amit Mehta denied much of former President Donald J. Trump's motion for summary judgment in Lee, et al. v. Trump, et al., bringing the landmark civil lawsuit arising from the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol one step closer to trial.
"I am gratified with this landmark decision, which serves as a reminder to the American people that no one is above the law. January 6, 2021, is a day that is seared in my memory and the memories of so many in this country. This unprecedented, violent attack on our country, incited by Donald Trump, threatened the bedrock of our democracy - the peaceful transfer of power. I am deeply grateful to the Capitol Police Officers who fought to save our democracy, and I am honored to stand with the NAACP and alongside my co-plaintiffs," said Mayor Barbara Lee, a former member of Congress and the named plaintiff. "I joined this case while serving in Congress, and I remained the lead plaintiff because, regardless of my role or capacity, I will always fight for our democracy. It is my life's work to ensure that every day, people are included in the democratic process. The residents of Oakland care about safeguarding our democracy and holding accountable those who break the law. It is up to all of us to make sure our democracy continues to thrive."
"The Court's ruling makes clear that Donald Trump can and should be held personally accountable for his role in the January 6th insurrection," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "We must hold the president accountable, not only for the chaos of that day, but for the sake of the future of our democracy. When those who seek to erode the institutions that keep power in check are held responsible, we send a message that violence and insurrection will never be tolerated in our presidential transitions. The NAACP will continue to stand with those seeking justice and with the principle that our democracy must work for the people."
"We're pleased that the federal court in Washington, DC rejected President Trump's attempt to evade accountability for his conduct leading to the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. For the first time in our nation's history, a court has determined — based on the evidentiary record — that a president may be held personally liable for harms caused while in office," said Joe Sellers of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, co-counsel for the current and former members of Congress. "The Court also reaffirmed its decision that President Trump's remarks at the rally on January 6 were that of a candidate, not entitled to protection by the First Amendment. If the district court's rulings are upheld, President Trump will have to appear at a civil trial in federal court in Washington, DC to defend against claims that he violated federal civil rights laws in his actions before and during the January 6 rally."
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.