During a Newsmax interview, Trump mentioned establishing a compensation fund for those who were pardoned on January 6. The president complimented Ashli Babbitt, calling her “a really good person” who “innocently stood there.” Trump has vowed to investigate Babbitt’s shooting by Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd. During Trump’s second term, more than 1,500 individuals involved in Capitol events were pardoned.
Trump Considers Compensating January 6 Participants
President Donald Trump revealed during a Newsmax interview with Greg Kelly that he is weighing the creation of a compensation fund for individuals he pardoned in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol events. This potential financial support would extend to over 1,500 people who received clemency during Trump’s second term, including members of groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Trump has consistently referred to these individuals as “patriots” rather than rioters, suggesting they were treated unfairly by the justice system in the aftermath of that day’s events.
When discussing the pardoned individuals, Trump stated plainly, “I took care of them,” indicating his ongoing support for those who participated in the Capitol protest. This statement aligns with his broader narrative that the legal proceedings against January 6 participants constituted political persecution rather than legitimate law enforcement. The president’s consideration of compensation represents a significant escalation from simply issuing pardons, potentially involving the expenditure of taxpayer funds to support those convicted of crimes related to the Capitol events.
Ruh Roh….things are moving! Ignore the Signal app bullsheeeeeit. https://t.co/gBJY585C7y pic.twitter.com/W7ojhb5JjH
— Bobby Diesel (@RealSaltySlimD) March 26, 2025
Babbitt Honored as MAGA Martyr
Trump has been particularly vocal about Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the Capitol breach. Trump has elevated Babbitt’s status within his movement, describing her in deeply sympathetic terms and questioning the circumstances of her death. In recent statements, Trump has promised to investigate the shooting and potentially take action regarding the officer involved, though he hasn’t specified what such action might entail. This focus on Babbitt represents part of Trump’s broader effort to reframe the narrative around January 6.
“Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan and Trump fan. And she was innocently standing there, they even say, trying to sort of hold back the crowd, and a man did something to her that was unthinkable when he shot her.” – President Donald J. Trump
Some supporters of Trump have pointed to video analysis they claim shows Babbitt attempting to diffuse tensions before she was shot. This interpretation contrasts sharply with official accounts of the events, which described Babbitt as part of a group attempting to breach a barricaded door leading to the Speaker’s Lobby as members of Congress were being evacuated. Trump’s characterization of Babbitt as “innocently standing there” is significant.
They were patriots': Trump floats 'compensation fund' for pardoned J6 https://t.co/om3nuouzbX you think such a person is still fit to be president? A: YES B: NO pic.twitter.com/kCqBVHP3Ef
— Patriot Ellie Shakespeare🇺🇸 (@qlzhTD82SgSA7Xz) March 27, 2025
Public Opinion Remains Divided
According to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll, the majority of Americans oppose pardons for January 6 participants, particularly those convicted of violent crimes. The survey found that 83% of respondents opposed clemency for violent offenders, while 55% opposed pardons even for nonviolent offenders. These numbers highlight the significant gap between Trump’s position on the January 6 participants and mainstream public opinion, though his base has remained steadfastly supportive of his stance on the matter.
“A lot of the people that are in the government now talk about it because a lot of the people in government really like that group of people.” – President Donald J. Trump
The proposed compensation fund has become yet another flashpoint in America’s ongoing political divide. Left-leaning media outlets have criticized the plan as rewarding criminal behavior, while right-leaning sources frame it as justice for politically persecuted patriots. This stark contrast in coverage reflects the broader polarization surrounding the events of January 6 and their aftermath. Trump’s continued focus on these issues signals his intention to make the treatment of January 6 participants a significant theme in his political messaging moving forward.
Sources: