Screen Actors Guild Considers Trump Expulsion After Capitol Riot

STUDIO CITY, CA — The National Board of the Screen Actors Guild is considering expelling President Donald Trump from the union, after accusing him of inciting the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6. According to the board, Trump endangered the lives of journalists — many of whom are fellow union members — by inciting the riot and spreading misinformation designed to discredit journalists nationwide.

The board found "probable cause" that Trump violated the union's constitution, and instructed SAG-AFTRA's Disciplinary Committee to review the charges.

"Donald Trump attacked the values that this union holds most sacred -- democracy, truth, respect for our fellow Americans of all races and faiths, and the sanctity of the free press," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "There's a straight line from his wanton disregard for the truth to the attacks on journalists perpetrated by his followers."

Trump has been a SAG member since 1989, when he made his movie debut in Ghosts Can't Do It, winning a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor. The former president also hosted and co-produced "The Apprentice," and appeared in Home Alone 2, Saturday Night Live and more.

If the Disciplinary Committee upholds the charges, Trump could face penalties including a reprimand, censure, fines, suspension or expulsion from the union. According to the L.A. Times, however, an expulsion would not prevent Trump from receiving his pension, or stop him from being allowed to work on productions organized by the union.

President Trump has denied any involvement in the attack on the Capitol. The union previously spoke out against the insurrection in a statement released on January 7.

"As a union and a democratic organization, we are appalled by this attack on the values we hold most sacred," SAG-AFTRA said. "The disgraceful scenes coming out of the nation’s capital have undermined America’s institutions and its standing in the world. Displays of the Confederate flag and other symbols of white supremacy and hate were meant to subjugate and terrorize people of color and those of certain faiths. This poison attacks the diverse membership of our union and the labor movement."