Former President Donald Trump refused to disclose whether he watched the Capitol riot unfold on television in a recent interview. When pressed on how he spent January 6, 2021, Trump declined to provide details and stated that he would share the information at a later time.
Trump’s former aides claim that he secluded himself in a room off the Oval Office, watching the attack and even rewinding certain parts. However, during the interview, Trump refused to reveal who he called as the violence unfolded, saying, “Why would I tell you that?”
While facing federal criminal charges for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, Trump stated that he might consider pardoning some of the rioters charged for their actions on January 6. Over 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot, with more than 600 individuals pleading guilty or being convicted.
Trump also suggested that he might consider pardoning former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 22-year prison sentence for orchestrating a failed plot to keep Trump in power.
Regarding his own legal challenges, Trump stated that he does not fear going to jail and does not think about it. He asserted that he is “built a little differently.” Trump also explained his decision to rely on outside allies rather than the advice of lawyers within the White House during his efforts to overturn the election. He claimed that he did not respect some of those lawyers and instead listened to “different people” and his own instincts.
During the interview, Trump expressed satisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent praise for his suggestion to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump emphasized his good relationship with Putin and denied that any deal he would seek in Ukraine would be biased towards Russia’s favor.
Additionally, Trump declined to state whether he supports a federal ban on abortion. He criticized a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one of Trump’s potential rivals in the presidential primary.
Sources:
– NBC’s “Meet the Press”
– Associated Press