Trump Faces Backlash for Cheering Police Despite Pardoning Jan. 6 Rioters

On Tuesday night, the former President faced an online storm for his praise of law enforcement officers while simultaneously granting pardons to participants in the January 6 Capitol violence.

"F— YOU!!!," exclaimed Harry Dunn, a former officer from Capitol Police, in response to the former President's words. "YOU A–H— YOU PARDONED OUR ATTACKERS."

Dunn, who was part of the brave force that defended the Capitol against a mob of Trump’s supporters during the certification of the Presidential election results on January 6, 2021, shared his outburst amid ongoing discussions about election integrity.

Second Term, First Controversy

In a controversial move hours into his second presidential term on January 20, Trump granted clemency to around 1,500 people implicated in crimes related to the January 6 assault.

Pennsylvania lawmaker, Rep. Madeleine Dean, expressed on Tuesday night, "In less than a day of returning to office, Donald Trump absolved those who violently breached our Capitol on January 6."

Dean further criticized, "This is not an example of just, equitable law enforcement; it’s a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the courageous first responders we rely on for our safety."

From Texas, Rep. Sylvia Garcia weighed in, "A blatant case of hypocrisy. Trump claims allegiance to law enforcement, yet his initial move pardons numerous individuals who assaulted our officers during the election riot of January 6, 2021."

Implications of Pardons

Floridian Rep. Lois Frankel seized the moment by addressing Trump's actions on social media, pointing out, "Clearing out those who probed the January 6 insurrection—dedicated law enforcement, not political players—diminishes our security and wellbeing."

Echoing these sentiments, Indiana’s Rep. Andre Carson fact-checked Trump's position: "Despite claiming to align with law enforcement, Trump's pardon actions for January 6 rioters endanger officers' lives, including those in Indiana."

Rep. Judy Chu remarked that Trump’s call to restore law and order is an affront to Americans.