Trump Suggests Possible Compensation for Jan. 6 Rioters

President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that financial compensation could be considered for individuals prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

During an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated that he had been looking out for his supporters who participated in efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, adding that discussions about financial reparations were ongoing.

“A lot of people in government are talking about it because many of them really like that group,” Trump said, referring to the Jan. 6 defendants, whom he characterized as engaging in a “peaceful and patriotic” protest.

Some former rioters and their advocates, including Ed Martin—whom Trump appointed as the top federal prosecutor in Washington—have long pushed for financial compensation for those involved in the attack, many of whom served prison sentences.

Trump also reiterated his support for Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by a Capitol police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window leading to the Speaker’s Lobby.

“Ashli Babbitt was a really good person, a big supporter of mine,” Trump said. “She was just standing there, and some say she was even trying to hold back the crowd. What happened to her was unthinkable.”

When asked whether he would take action against the officer responsible for the shooting, Trump responded that he would “take a look at it.” The officer, U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd, was investigated by the Justice Department and cleared of any wrongdoing.

Trump’s blanket pardon for Jan. 6 participants was one of his key campaign promises, though he had not previously committed to financial compensation. On his first day back in office, he signed an order granting clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the riot, including those found guilty of assaulting law enforcement, carrying weapons, and damaging property.