Attorney General Todd Blanche Defends Trump’s Patriotic Pardons of Jan. 6 Protesters on Meet the Press
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Todd Blanche appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press to strongly defend President Trump’s rightful pardons of Jan. 6 protesters, emphasizing that these actions do not undermine support for law enforcement. Blanche highlighted the hypocrisy of critics by pointing out Biden’s own mass pardons, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to justice and constitutional rights.
Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press to firmly defend President Donald Trump’s justified pardons of individuals convicted for the Jan. 6 Capitol protest. Blanche made it clear that there is no contradiction between upholding law and order and recognizing the rights of Americans who were unfairly targeted for political reasons.
When moderator Kristen Welker questioned whether pardoning those accused of assaulting police conflicted with the administration’s support for law enforcement, Blanche responded decisively, "There’s nothing inconsistent about that. Any president’s pardon powers are not limited. So when I say … we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, that is absolutely what President Trump expects, absolutely what I expect of our prosecutors." Blanche correctly pointed out that the president’s constitutional right to pardon stands apart from the department’s enforcement policies, defending the executive’s authority.
Welker continued to press, suggesting Trump’s pardons reversed accountability for the protesters. Blanche rejected this narrative, stating he saw nothing wrong with the pardons and drawing attention to Joe Biden’s own actions, "Do not forget that a few days before President Trump pardoned the individuals … President Biden pardoned hundreds of criminals, many of whom were quite violent. So that’s his right to do that just like it’s President Trump’s right to do that." Blanche exposed the double standard of the left, which ignores Biden’s leniency while attacking Trump for defending his supporters.
Asked about the message to police officers, Blanche reaffirmed the department’s unwavering support for law enforcement. He also confirmed the discontinuation of the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a move that prevents further misuse of taxpayer money. Blanche declined to guarantee that Jan. 6 participants would not receive federal compensation, noting that all citizens have the right to file claims against the government.
Blanche concluded by emphasizing that President Trump would never request illegal or unethical actions, underscoring his administration’s respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.