President Trump is exploring the idea of financial compensation for individuals who were pardoned after being prosecuted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He mentioned this during a recent interview with Newsmax, where he also promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot by a Capitol Police officer during the chaos.
In the interview, Trump noted that there has been discussion among government officials about compensating the hundreds of supporters who faced charges for storming the Capitol in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results. He expressed his support for these individuals, stating, “I took care of them. I said I was going to and I did.”
On January 20, shortly after being sworn in, Trump pardoned over 1,500 defendants related to the Capitol riot, including many who were serving lengthy prison sentences. He described these individuals as “incredible people” who were treated unfairly, adding that some didn’t even enter the Capitol building.
Calls for compensation have also come from various supporters, including Ed Martin, Trump’s new top federal prosecutor in Washington. Many believe that those convicted in connection with the riot deserve recompense for their treatment.
Trump also discussed Ashli Babbitt, a 36-year-old Air Force veteran, who was shot while attempting to enter the Speaker’s Lobby through a broken window. Her family has filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the government. Trump stated he was unaware of the lawsuit until the interview but expressed his admiration for Babbitt, calling her a “big fan” and a “really good person.”
In response to questions about potential actions against the officer who shot Babbitt, Trump indicated he would look into that as well. Earlier this month, the Trump Justice Department signaled it might support settlement discussions with Babbitt’s family.
The situation remains fluid, with Trump’s remarks highlighting ongoing debates about the treatment of those involved in the January 6 events and the broader implications of the Capitol riot on American politics.