TL/DR –
Former President Donald Trump, in an interview with Time magazine, did not rule out the possibility of political violence if he lost a potential future election, though he stated that he expects to win. Trump also said he would consider pardoning people prosecuted in relation to the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, which he has defended. He claimed that he would not aim to defy the Constitution and try to stay in power for longer than two terms, but did not give a clear answer on whether he would fire U.S. attorneys or prosecute district attorneys who have brought cases against him.
Trump Discusses Potential Political Violence and Pardoning Alleged Jan. 6 Offenders
Former President Donald Trump has not dismissed the potential for political violence if he loses the November election. However, he maintains confidence in victory, asserting to Time magazine that he anticipates a big victory, devoid of violence.
Trump’s remarks were in response to queries on the implications of his loss in the election. His stance hinges on the fairness of the election. In the past, he’s cautioned about potential problems if things don’t go his way, hinting at “potential death & destruction” if false charges were laid against him.
Further, Trump alluded to unfounded claims of widespread election fraud. He expressed doubt in fraudulent practices repeating as in the last election. If that’s the case, he anticipates a record-setting win.
The ex-president faces federal charges relating to his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, which led to the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump has supported and defended those charged in relation to the attack. The Department of Justice reveals that nearly 1,400 people have been indicted in connection with the attack so far.
In his comments to Time, Trump declared that he would “absolutely” consider pardoning those prosecuted. He referred to the alleged perpetrators as “patriots” and criticized the two-tier system of justice handling their cases.
Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, stating that he wouldn’t attempt to defy it for a third term if he wins a second term. He openly rejected challenging the 22nd Amendment, which imposes term limits, and affirmed his intention to serve just a four-year term.
Trump’s Views On Prosecution and Immunity
Trump suggested that as president, he might dismiss U.S. attorneys who refuse to prosecute individuals at his direction. However, he shied away from confirming whether he would prosecute District Attorneys Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis, who’ve filed cases against him.
Although Trump expressed intentions of appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the Bidens, he said his decision would depend on the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Without evidence, Trump claimed that President Joe Biden had broken the law, adding that if immunity was not granted, Biden could face prosecution.
The Biden campaign responded to Trump’s comments, criticizing his assault on freedom and democracy. Biden’s campaign is focused on the future, not on “one small, weak man’s delusion of a dictatorship,” said campaign spokesperson James Singer.
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