Trump Promises Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters, Does Not Rule Out Violent Offenders

1. **Cementing his relationship with his base**: Many of Trump’s supporters view the January 6th rioters as heroes who were defending democracy, believing the false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. By offering pardons, Trump solidifies his connection with this base and reaffirms his stance against what he and his followers see as political persecution.

2. **Political calculation**: Trump likely sees pardons as a way to rally and energize his most fervent supporters ahead of a potential 2024 campaign. He has consistently framed the legal actions against January 6th defendants as an attack on his movement, using this narrative to fuel opposition to the Biden administration and the so-called "deep state."

3. **Challenging the legitimacy of the investigations**: Pardoning the rioters would be consistent with Trump’s broader effort to delegitimize federal investigations, including those led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under his political opponents. This is in line with his history of dismissing investigations into his allies as partisan attacks, and pardoning convicted allies such as Roger Stone and Michael Flynn only strengthens this message.

4. **Maintaining loyalty**: Trump’s previous use of pardons for loyalists like Stone and Flynn set a precedent for rewarding those who remain loyal to him, even if they break the law. Pardoning the January 6th rioters, including potentially violent offenders, would continue this pattern of prioritizing loyalty over the rule of law.

5. **Undermining accountability**: Pardoning the rioters would send a message that political violence is acceptable if it serves a higher cause, potentially encouraging future unrest and attacks on democratic institutions. By refusing to rule out pardoning extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, Trump may be signaling that their actions, while illegal, were justifiable in pursuit of a political goal. This could embolden these groups and others like them, undermining the rule of law.

6. **Power dynamics**: Trump’s pattern of behavior suggests a belief in executive authority that extends beyond traditional legal boundaries. By signaling a willingness to pardon those involved in an attack on democratic institutions, he positions himself as above the law and able to unilaterally define justice based on political allegiance.

Ultimately, Trump's potential pardoning of January 6th rioters could undermine accountability for political violence, fuel future extremism, and erode trust in the legal system, all while serving his political goals.

Click this link to read details : https://t.ly/sUM5U3