Speaker Johnson Defends Trump's Pardons Amid Backlash

Speaker Mike Johnson defended President Trump's decision to pardon over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, emphasizing his belief in 'redemption and second chances.' Johnson noted that while he does not second-guess the President's authority to pardon, he previously expressed that only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, not those who committed violent acts. The pardons have been met with criticism, particularly from Democrats and some Republicans, who argue it contradicts the Republican stance of supporting law enforcement. Johnson reiterated his view of the Justice Department's 'weaponization' in handling January 6 prosecutions. Despite his defense of the pardons, Johnson faced scrutiny for reconciling this stance with the GOP's 'Back the Blue' rhetoric. The pardons included high-profile figures from extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.