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The exchange only grew more contentious from there.
Steinberg referenced video footage that critics have pointed to in recent years, claiming Pelosi appeared to acknowledge responsibility for security failures surrounding the Capitol attack.
Pelosi rejected the accusation outright.
“No, I did not admit it. The president never sent– would agree to send the National Guard. Don’t waste your time or mine on you.”
The reporter then shifted to another controversial topic, asking why Pelosi’s daughter was documenting events on January 6.
That question appeared to further aggravate the former Speaker.
“Why don’t you get away?” Pelosi responded.
As Steinberg attempted to continue, Pelosi launched into criticism of the reporter’s employer, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell.
“You know what, I don’t even think you’re a real journalist. You work for Mike, pillow man?”
Steinberg confirmed she worked for Lindell TV and defended her organization.
Pelosi was unimpressed.
“Yeah, I don’t consider that journalism. Mike the pillow man, that’s not journalism. I don’t have any reason to talk to you.”
The tense moment drew attention online after video of the encounter began circulating across social media platforms.
When Steinberg jokingly remarked that Lindell would be happy to send Pelosi a complimentary pillow, the former Speaker doubled down.
“You should record this. I want people to know that you’re not a real journalist. You work for Mike the pillow man, and all you do is spout untruths. Get away from me.”
Even as Steinberg attempted to continue asking questions, Pelosi repeatedly demanded that she leave.
The confrontation reignited a debate that has followed Pelosi for years regarding security preparations before January 6 and who ultimately bears responsibility for decisions made that day.
Adding fuel to the controversy is testimony and public commentary from former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, who has repeatedly challenged Democratic narratives surrounding National Guard deployment.
The issue resurfaced after Pelosi criticized President Donald Trump over his recent decision to activate National Guard forces as part of a federal anti-crime initiative in Washington, D.C.
Pelosi accused Trump of failing to act during the Capitol riot while being willing to deploy troops for other purposes.
That accusation prompted a sharp response from Sund.
“Ma’am, it is long past time to be honest with the American people,” Sund said.
The former Capitol Police chief detailed what he says were repeated attempts to secure National Guard assistance before the riot occurred.
According to Sund, he formally sought Guard support several days before January 6 but encountered resistance within the Capitol security structure.
“Under federal law (2 U.S.C. §1970), I was prohibited from calling them in without specific approval,” Sund explained.
He further stated that Pentagon officials had offered support before the riot but that he lacked authority to accept the assistance.
“That same day, Carol Corbin at the Pentagon offered National Guard support, but I was forced to decline because I lacked the legal authority,” he added.
Sund’s most serious allegation centers on the response once violence erupted.
“While the Capitol was under attack and despite my repeated calls, your Sergeant at Arms again denied my urgent requests for over 70 agonizing minutes, ‘running it up the chain’ for your approval,” Sund wrote.
The former chief also accused Pelosi of embracing heavy security measures after the riot while failing to approve assistance beforehand.
“When I needed assistance, it was denied. Yet when it suited you, you ordered fencing topped with concertina wire and surrounded the Capitol with thousands of armed National Guard troops.”
The latest confrontation between Pelosi and Steinberg ensures that questions surrounding January 6 security decisions remain far from settled. While Pelosi continues to dismiss accusations that she played any role in delaying National Guard assistance, critics point to statements from officials directly involved in Capitol security who tell a very different story.
With video clips of the heated exchange spreading rapidly online, the debate over who bears responsibility for security failures on January 6 appears destined to continue for years to come.
