In his first post-election TV interview, President-elect Trump doubles down on his promise to pardon those convicted for the January 6 capitol riot and suggests retribution against political foes

In his first post-election network interview, President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to granting pardons to individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump vowed to issue these pardons on his first day in office, underscoring his view that many of those jailed following the attack had been unfairly treated by the justice system.

“First day. Yeah, I’m looking for these pardons,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker, further elaborating that many individuals had pleaded guilty only because they felt they had no other choice. He criticized the harsh sentences some of the rioters faced, claiming that the justice system was “very corrupt” and that individuals were coerced into making deals to avoid even lengthier sentences. Trump said that, as president, he would review each case individually, promising to “look at everything” to ensure a fair process.

Over 1,500 individuals have been arrested or charged in connection with the January 6 events, with nearly 900 having pled guilty. For Trump, the pardons of those who participated in the riot have been a recurring theme of his 2024 campaign, where he has framed the issue as a matter of justice for the wrongfully persecuted.

His promise to pardon January 6 rioters comes amid fluctuating statements regarding his choices for key positions in his administration, particularly his picks for attorney general and FBI director. Pam Bondi, who Trump has nominated for attorney general, and Kash Patel, nominated for FBI director, have both expressed strong support for investigating his political rivals. Trump maintained that while he would not directly instruct his appointees to target his opponents, he implied that they would be free to pursue investigations if they saw fit.

“She’s very experienced,” Trump said of Bondi, before adding that he would not instruct her to go after individuals like Special Counsel Jack Smith, whom he described as “very corrupt.” Patel, a staunch advocate for investigating Trump’s political enemies, has previously called for a “housecleaning” within the media, the Department of Justice, and among Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. Trump suggested that Patel and Bondi could initiate investigations if they believed it was necessary.

Beyond these remarks, Trump continued his attack on the House Select Committee that investigated January 6, calling for its members, including former Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson, to face legal consequences. “They should go to jail,” Trump stated, although he made it clear that he would not direct his appointees to act on these views, leaving the matter open-ended.

Liz Cheney responded to Trump’s comments, labelling them as a “continuation of his assault on the rule of law.” She stated that any lawyer pursuing such actions would be subject to sanctions, adding that there was no constitutional basis for the kind of retaliation Trump was suggesting.

In contrast to Trump’s threats, President Joe Biden is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for individuals whom Trump has targeted, including Cheney, Democratic Senator-elect Adam Schiff, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. When asked about these potential pardons, Trump responded that Biden could proceed if he chose. “Maybe he should,” Trump remarked, further criticising the investigations these individuals were involved in.

Trump’s remarks on January 6, the Justice Department, and his campaign’s rhetoric of retribution highlight the increasingly divisive political climate as the 2024 election season intensifies. As he prepares for a potential return to the White House, Trump continues to promise sweeping changes and bold actions, leaving many questions about the future direction of the U.S. justice system and political landscape.