In a recent interview with CNN’s Boris Sanchez, GOP Representative Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) exemplified the challenges Republicans face when defending former President Trump’s stance on the January 6th Capitol attack.
Meuser initially downplayed Trump’s reported promise to pardon those involved, referring to the day as “ugly” but asserting Trump would denounce violence.
“I do think the president would address it for what it was, what the American people saw, and denounce it,” he said.
Sanchez pressed Meuser on Trump’s accountability, highlighting Trump’s labeling of some rioters as “political prisoners.” Despite Meuser’s attempt to distinguish between violent offenders and non-violent participants, Sanchez pointed to Trump’s public statements that contradicted such distinctions.
“He’s talked about pardoning those folks you were talking about being violent and that hurt a lot of Capitol police officers and other people as well,” Sanchez said.
“No, no, no. Not violent, not people who hurt police officers. Those who were, who got caught up in the riot, if you will —” Meuser replied, with Sanchez quickly speaking over the congressman to interject.
“He’s called them political prisoners, sir!” Sanchez said.
Meuser mentioned private conversations with Trump where he claimed distinctions were made between violent criminals and others caught in the events. However, Sanchez challenged this assertion, noting Trump’s public advocacy for pardoning those involved in the attack.
“You’re saying that these folks deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sanchez retorted. “The former president is talking about pardoning the same people that attacked you and your colleagues.”
Attempting to shift the narrative, Meuser brought up the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, suggesting they were under-prosecuted compared to the Capitol rioters. Sanchez quickly redirected, questioning the relevance of President Biden to the discussion.
“What does this have to do with Joe Biden?!” Sanchez asked.
The exchange highlighted the difficult position many Republicans find themselves in when trying to defend Trump’s role in the January 6th attack, often leading to contradictions and perceived attempts to diminish his responsibility.
Watch the interview below:
GOP Rep. Dan Meuser suggests on CNN that Trump only supports pardoning non-violent J6 criminals, not all of them. After anchor Boris Sanchez points out Trump has never made that distinction. Meuser claims Trump made it while talking to him privately. But Sanchez isn't buying it. pic.twitter.com/3MmdigDCTu
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 26, 2024
