Trump Refuses To Pardon Who?

President Donald Trump made it clear on Friday that he is not considering granting a pardon to former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted for the 2020 death of George Floyd. In response to a reporter’s question in the Oval Office about whether he was considering a pardon, Trump quickly dismissed the idea, saying, “No, I haven’t even heard about it. No. I haven’t heard that.”

This statement came after conservative commentator Ben Shapiro launched a petition urging Trump to consider pardoning Chauvin. Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison after being convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter for his role in Floyd’s death. Shapiro’s petition emphasized the need to examine the evidence more closely, arguing that there were significant gaps in the case presented at trial. He also framed Floyd’s death as a catalyst for the widespread Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and riots that followed in 2020, which erupted across the country.

Floyd’s death, which was captured on video, showed him pleading for help as Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over nine minutes. This shocking footage sparked national outrage, leading to massive protests, some of which escalated into violent riots. The protests coincided with the 2020 presidential election, in which Trump ran for re-election against Joe Biden, who ultimately won the presidency. Throughout the unrest, Trump consistently advocated for a tougher response to the rioters and looters, while also defending law enforcement.

On the other hand, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, strongly opposed calls for Chauvin’s pardon, stating that such efforts demonstrate “a blatant disrespect” for both the law and George Floyd’s family. This debate continues to fuel a broader conversation about justice, law enforcement, and the preservation of law and order in America.