Trump war podcast reveals January 6 pardon plans and Ukraine troop demands

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Donald Trump told a podcast released Thursday that he would pardon most January 6 defendants and send “no more money” to Ukraine unless European allies deploy troops.

The Republican presidential candidate made the statements on the “Mr Trump Goes to War” episode of the EA-US Politics podcast recorded earlier this week.

Trump leads President Joe Biden by 1.2 points in national polling averages compiled by RealClearPolitics. The election is 11 months away.

Trump said he would “absolutely” pardon a “large portion” of the more than 1,200 defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. “These people are being treated horribly,” Trump told podcast host Scott Lucas. The former president claimed many defendants were “innocent” and had been “persecuted” by federal prosecutors.

The Department of Justice has secured approximately 950 convictions related to the Capitol riot. About 620 defendants received prison sentences ranging from 7 days to 22 years. Trump previously suggested pardons at campaign rallies but gave his most definitive commitment on the podcast.

Trump’s Ukraine position marked a shift from his administration’s policies. The United States has provided $75 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s February 2022 invasion. European Union countries collectively contributed $85 billion during the same period. Trump said European nations “should pay equal” and “put up soldiers on the ground” before receiving additional American assistance.

The podcast hosts pressed Trump on whether this meant ending weapons shipments entirely. Trump responded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy “would have to make a deal” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Current Biden administration policy rejects any settlement that rewards Russian territorial gains.

Ukrainian officials reacted cautiously to Trump’s remarks. Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that “Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to defend common values.” He did not address Trump directly. Members of Ukraine’s parliament privately expressed concern about potential American withdrawal, according to two unnamed lawmakers cited by Lucas.

Trump’s comments came during a 68-minute interview covering foreign and domestic policies. The podcast episode garnered 2.3 million downloads within 24 hours of release. EA WorldView, the podcast’s parent company, reported servers crashed twice due to traffic spikes. The interview marked Trump’s longest-form media appearance since leaving office.

Republican lawmakers split on Trump’s statements. Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters that Ukraine funding remained “essential for American national security.” Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene praised Trump’s position, saying taxpayers “shouldn’t foot the entire bill.” The House recently passed a bill conditioning Ukraine aid on European military contributions, though the Senate has not taken it up.

Background

Trump’s presidency saw tense relationships with traditional American allies. He frequently criticized NATO members for failing to meet defense spending targets of 2 percent of GDP. Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. His administration imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports.

The January 6 attack occurred after Trump addressed supporters near the White House. He repeated false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. A mob broke into the Capitol building as Congress certified Biden’s victory. The riot left 5 dead and injured 140 police officers. Trump was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate.

What’s Next

Trump faces a trial starting March 4 on federal charges related to election interference. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in February on whether presidential immunity protects him from prosecution. Ukraine funding expires in February unless Congress approves additional spending bills before winter recess.

European diplomats began discussing contingency plans for reduced American involvement. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg scheduled meetings with defense ministers from Poland, Germany and France next week. Trump holds commanding polling leads in early Republican primary states with voting beginning in Iowa on January 15.