President Donald Trump used his predecessor’s decision to grant preemptive pardons to his family members and others to deflect criticism for releasing violent January 6 rioters, including those who assaulted police officers at the Capitol four years ago.
Speaking at a media availability with a trio of technology executives who were announcing a half-billion dollar investment in AI data centers, Trump was asked about the release from custody of DJ Rodriguez, who during the January 6, 2021 riot drove a stun gun into the neck of Washington, D.C. police officer Michael Fanone.
