From Business Insider, 30 June 2022:

"When nine accused leaders of the Oath Keepers go on trial this fall to face seditious conspiracy charges for their role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, jurors in the government's first big, showcase trial will hear a defense argument that will sound outlandish to many.

Jurors will be told that the far-right extremists believed President Donald Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act as they gathered at the Capitol — 100 strong in their camo-colored tactical gear — and turn them into his own, ultra-loyal federal militia."


"But did Trump — or anyone from Trumpworld — give any indication to the Oath Keepers that he would federalize them or invoke the Insurrection Act to stay in office?"
- Laura Italiano, Business Insider reporter

Answer: "To date, we are unaware of any direct communications that ever took place between the Oath Keepers and Trump, or anyone in his inner circle."
- James Lee Bright, a defense lawyer for Oath Keepers leader and founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes, replying to Italiano.

Only time will tell if Elmer's excuse for his behavior sticks.

For what it is worth, at this point in time, I see no evidence that Donald Trump actually committed a felony after he lost the 2020 U.S. presidential election.