BREAKING: Trump Says He’s ‘Going to Look At’ Pardons for Gov. Whitmer Kidnap Plotters — Sparks National Outrage and Political Firestorm
In a bombshell statement that’s already sending shockwaves through the political world, former President Donald Trump announced that he is “going to look at” the possibility of pardoning individuals convicted in the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The remark came during a campaign rally in Michigan, where Trump has been ramping up his outreach ahead of the 2024 election.
During a fiery speech laced with attacks on President Biden and Democrats, Trump veered into controversial territory when discussing what he described as “political prosecutions” and “deep state setups.” That’s when he dropped the unexpected comment: “A lot of people have been treated very unfairly. We’re going to take a serious look at what happened in Michigan. A lot of things don’t add up. These men — I think some of them — may deserve a second look. Pardons? We’re going to look at it. Absolutely.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, but the reaction nationwide was anything but celebratory. Within hours, Democratic lawmakers, legal experts, and even some members of Trump’s own party issued scathing responses, calling the statement “dangerous,” “reckless,” and “a new low.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who was the target of the 2020 kidnapping plot, released a statement condemning Trump’s comments: “This was not a political stunt. It was a terrorist plot to harm me and overthrow a democratically elected government. Suggesting these men deserve pardons is an insult to law enforcement, the judiciary, and the rule of law itself.”
The original plot involved more than a dozen men, some of whom were later convicted on federal charges including conspiracy to kidnap and weapons offenses. Prosecutors alleged that the group planned to kidnap Governor Whitmer at her vacation home, put her on trial, and potentially execute her. The FBI disrupted the plot before it could be carried out.
Trump’s remark has reignited debate over his relationship with extremist groups and his rhetoric toward political violence. Critics argue that offering clemency to convicted domestic terrorists sets a dangerous precedent and may embolden future attacks on public officials.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blasted Trump’s suggestion as “proof that he continues to side with lawless radicals over democracy and the rule of law.” Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers have remained silent, while others cautiously distanced themselves, suggesting that “more facts are needed” before discussing pardons.
Legal scholars warn that Trump’s words, even if not followed by action, could already be influencing public perception of the justice system and the legitimacy of court rulings.
Whether Trump ultimately follows through with any pardons remains to be seen. However, the political fallout is already massive — potentially reshaping the conversation as the country barrels toward what is expected to be one of the most contentious presidential elections in U.S. history.
As the nation reacts, one thing is clear: Trump’s statement has once again thrust him into the center of controversy — and the consequences may be far from over.
