While aboard Air Force One, former President Donald Trump was questioned by a reporter regarding his decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, particularly those accused of assaulting first responders. The reporter pointed out the seeming contradiction as Trump was en route to New Orleans to honor first responders ahead of Super Bowl LIX.
Trump’s Super Bowl Sunday was packed with activities. He sat down for an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, where he predicted the Kansas City Chiefs would win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He also made history by becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. In addition, Trump met briefly with first responders and the families affected by the New Year’s Day attack—an incident he previously misattributed to immigration.
During the informal press session on the plane, Trump was pressed about pardoning the rioters, some of whom were involved in attacks on law enforcement. The reporter drew a parallel between those pardons and Trump’s scheduled meeting with New Orleans first responders. Trump responded defensively, rejecting the notion that those he pardoned had assaulted anyone, and passionately defended his actions. He described the pardons as “a great thing for humanity” and criticized the way the rioters had been treated.
Here’s the full exchange:
“REPORTER: You said you said you’re going to honor first responders today, but you pardoned hundreds of people who assaulted first responders. Why did you do that?
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Who? I…
REPORTER: You are going to meet with first responders today, but you pardoned people who assaulted first responders.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I pardoned people who were assaulted themselves! They were assaulted by our government! I pardoned J6 people who were assaulted by our government. That’s who were assaulted and they were treated unfairly.
There’s never been a group of people in this country outside of maybe one instance I can think of, but I won’t get into it, that were treated more horribly than the people of J6.
So no, I didn’t assault. They didn’t assault– they were assaulted, and what I did was a great thing for humanity.”
Trump’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 riot while simultaneously honoring first responders highlights the deep political and ideological divide surrounding the events of that day. His staunch defense of the pardons reflects his ongoing commitment to his base, many of whom view the rioters as political prisoners rather than criminals. As he continues to shape his legacy and potential future in politics, his handling of these controversial decisions will likely remain a focal point of both support and criticism.
