Trump Eyes Whitmer Kidnapping Pardon A "Railroad Job" Rescue?

Trump Considers Pardons in Whitmer Kidnapping Plot, Citing "Railroad Job"

Former President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering pardoning individuals convicted in the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The controversial statement came during a swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Attorney in D.C. Jeanine Pirro, adding another layer of complexity to a case that has already sparked intense debate.

Trump stated, "I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention." He further commented, "I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I'll be honest with you. It looked to me like some people said some stupid things." This assertion directly challenges the outcome of the trials, which resulted in both convictions and guilty pleas.

The Justice Department's new pardon attorney, Ed Martin, also announced last week that he would take a "hard look" at the case, suggesting a potential avenue for clemency for those involved.

A Recap of the Whitmer Kidnapping Plot

In 2020, federal prosecutors charged six individuals with conspiring to kidnap Governor Whitmer, a Democrat who faced significant opposition due to her COVID-19 policies. Here's a breakdown of the key events:

• The Allegations: The indictment alleged that the men, some linked to a militia group, conducted surveillance on Whitmer's vacation home and planned to blow up a bridge as part of the kidnapping.
• The Outcome: Two defendants, Barry Croft and Adam Fox, were convicted after a trial and sentenced to over a decade in prison. Two others pleaded guilty and received prison sentences, while two were acquitted.
• The Defense: Attorneys for the accused argued that their clients' rhetoric was mere "playing army" and that they were entrapped by undercover FBI agents and confidential informants.

Legal Battles and Entrapment Claims

A federal appeals court recently upheld the convictions of Croft and Fox, rejecting their claims that the trial judge prevented them from mounting an effective entrapment defense. This ruling underscored the complexity of the case and the legal hurdles faced by the defendants. It's important to remember that Mr. Trump's pardon power extends only to federal charges; several other individuals have been convicted in state court in connection with the plot.

A History of Conflict

The former president's interest in the case is not entirely surprising, given his past clashes with Governor Whitmer. In 2020, Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MICHIGAN" amidst protests against her COVID-19 restrictions. He also criticized Whitmer for not thanking him after the kidnapping arrests.

Trump's Pardons and Precedents

It is also notable that Mr. Trump has used his pardon power extensively in his second term, drawing scrutiny for pardoning almost everybody convicted in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The Implications of a Pardon

A potential pardon in the Whitmer kidnapping case would undoubtedly reignite the controversy surrounding the plot and raise questions about the use of presidential pardon power. It remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately grant clemency to any of the convicted individuals, but his expressed interest ensures that this case will continue to capture national attention.
This situation highlights the complex intersection of politics, justice, and the enduring power of the presidency to shape the narrative of events long after they've occurred.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gretchen-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-trump-considering-pardon/