In response to the attack at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, American Forests issued the following statement from Jad Daley, its president and chief executive officer: 

“American Forests is proud of its 146-year history of working with politicians from all party affiliations to develop and promote policies that sustain America’s trees and forests. Throughout that time, our democracy has been a sacred trust that has been respected and inviolate, regardless of the balance of political power. We have shown ourselves to be ‘One Nation Under Trees.’

“Today’s riots, including a breach of the United States Capitol, represent a terrifying and totally unacceptable attack on our democracy. There is no political grievance or anger that justifies this unlawful and disrespectful behavior. All of the perpetrators should be punished in accordance with the law. And any political figures encouraging these actions should be held accountable.

“People in America can accomplish anything when they work together. Our democracy must be respected as the foundation upon which all of this potential rests. America must stand as one today to defend its democracy as a sacred trust.”