Former President Donald Trump recently articulated a forceful defense of those he considers “political prisoners” from the January 6 Capitol breach, during an extensive interview with TIME. His comments revealed an enduring commitment to those who have been arrested and detained in connection with that day’s events.
During the interview, Trump detailed his perspective on the legal treatments these individuals are receiving, which he strongly criticized. “We have a new category of crime. It’s called migrant crime,” Trump said. “It’s, ugh, you see it all the time. You see it in New York City where they’re having fistfights with police. And far worse than that. You see it all the time. And you’re seeing it in all of the cities, especially the Democratic-run cities, which is a lot of the big ones, but you’re seeing it in Chicago, you’re seeing it in New York and L.A. and getting worse than in other places.”
Addressing potential actions he would take if returned to office, Trump discussed how he would handle what he views as injustices in the U.S. legal system. He implied that changes in policy would focus on ensuring what he perceives as fairness and a correction of current practices. “If I thought things were getting out of control, I would have no problem using the military.”
Trump also responded to questions about using the U.S. military against civilians, a topic relevant to discussions around domestic unrest and legal enforcement. “Well, [these aren’t civilians],” he argued.
(BREAKING: Glenn Beck reveals new Biden initiative that will bankrupt America)
The interview extensively covered Trump’s plans and visions for a potential second term, revealing a continued focus on aggressive legal and security policies. Trump’s interview suggested a presidency that would vigorously defend its positions and potentially challenge prevailing legal interpretations surrounding contentious issues like the January 6 breach.
TIME interview transcript:
Let’s take a second to talk about January 6. You have called the men and women who have been prosecuted for their actions on January 6 “hostages” and “political prisoners.” More than 800 of these people have been sentenced through our judicial system, most of whom pleaded guilty. Some of them have been convicted by juries. You’ve said you will pardon them. Are you calling into question the conclusions of the justice system in more than 800 cases?
Trump: It’s a two-tier system. Because when I look at Portland, when I look at Minneapolis, where they took over police precincts and everything else, and went after federal buildings, when I look at other situations that were violent, and where people were killed, nothing happened to them. Nothing happened to them. I think it’s a two-tier system of justice. I think it’s a very, very sad thing. And whether you like it or not, nobody died other than Ashli.
Will you consider pardoning every one of them?
Trump: I would consider that, yes.
You would?
Trump: Yes, absolutely.
All right, so—
Trump: If somebody was evil and bad, I would look at that differently. But many of those people went in, many of those people were ushered in. You see it on tape, the police are ushering them in. They’re walking with the police.
(BREAKING: Glenn Beck sounds the alarm on the American economy – prepare yourself now)