Donkey of the Day: Proud Boys Leader Gets 22 Years For Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

Podcast: Donkey of the Day (The Breakfast Club, Power 105.1 FM)
Host: Charlamagne Tha God
Date: February 25, 2025
Subject: Enrique Tarrio receives "Donkey of the Day" after being sentenced to 22 years for his role in the January 6th Capitol Riot.

Overview

In this installment of “Donkey of the Day,” Charlamagne calls out Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, after Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for coordinating the January 6th insurrection. The segment scrutinizes supposed "patriot" behavior, accountability, and what forgiveness and second chances should look like for high-profile offenders. With pointed humor and biting commentary, Charlamagne condemns Tarrio’s continued arrogance despite receiving a pardon and contrasts it to the suffering of law enforcement personnel involved on January 6th.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Context

• Enrique Tarrio: Former Proud Boys leader, sentenced to 22 years for orchestrating the insurrection on January 6, 2021. Had previously received a pardon from then-president Donald Trump.
• Reality Check for "Patriots": Charlamagne examines the contradiction in self-proclaimed patriots attacking law enforcement and the U.S. Capitol.

2. Contradictions of Patriotism

• Respect for Law Enforcement?
  • "[…] do you respect law enforcement or not? Because if he respected law enforcement, then ex Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone wouldn't have gotten dragged into the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6th." (Charlamagne, 02:48)
  • Dramatic retelling of Fanone's assault: "[He] was dragged into the mob, beaten and tased until he suffered a heart attack. That don't sound like true patriotism to me."
• "True Patriotism":
  • "True patriots show their love and respect to law enforcement, and true patriots respect the Capitol building that is a worldwide symbol of democracy." (Charlamagne, 03:12)

3. The Failings of Enrique Tarrio

• Second Chances and the Trump Pardon
  • "Enrique Terrio doesn't care about any of that because he was given a second chance by Donald J. Trump. The man was pardoned by 4547 so he doesn't have to spend 22 years worrying about someone storming the capital of his anus." (Charlamagne, 03:20)
  • Humor and wordplay are used to underscore the absurdity of Tarrio’s failure to change.
• Missed Opportunity for Redemption
  • "You would think that maybe, just maybe, Enrique would have learned something from his brief stint in prison... But no. A potential dialogue opportunity turned into a confrontation." (Charlamagne, 03:50)

4. Confrontation with Officer Fanone (Audio Clip)

• Marcus Grant as Enrique Tarrio (audio clip):
  • "You were powered that day. You were powered after. You're a traitor to this country. Yes, sir. You fired your ass. And that's why you're all beat. Little failure. Run for me. Run for me. You can say that while you're over there." (04:10–04:33)
• Charlamagne Responds:
  • "Enrique, do you know you are absolutely wrong? You are absolutely wrong on January 6th, and you are absolutely wrong. And how you handled former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanon." (Charlamagne, 04:33)
  • Reiterates Fanone's service and sacrifice: "[…] a public servant who took an oath to protect and serve the Capitol. And that's exactly what he did. And y' all beat on that man for doing his job, Tased that man for doing his job, and caused him to have a heart attack for doing his job." (Charlamagne, 04:38)

5. Accountability vs. Politics

• "Look, man, this isn't about politics. It's about accountability, okay? Enrique, you are the poster child for ungratefulness." (Charlamagne, 05:29)
• Pointing out privilege: "Do you know how many nonviolent drug offenders in prison right now would love to have a pardon? And instead of humbling yourself, you out here with your chest out like you did a bid for something honorable." (Charlamagne, 05:18)

6. Notable Analogies & Humor

• Insurrections and orgies:
  • "In fact, insurrections and orgies have one thing in common. If you don't have a real plan, which y' all didn't, it ends up being just a bunch of dudes standing around with nothing to do but each other. I don't even know why my brain works like that." (Charlamagne, 05:43)
• Prison commentary:
  • "There are people right now who think you should be in prison with Kool Aid on your lips, identifying as someone's prison bait, okay?" (Charlamagne, 05:40)

7. Closing Call-Out

• "Please remember, Enrique, you got pardoned, okay? Not exonerated. If you are seen as a traitor and clown, guess what? You earned that, okay?" (Charlamagne, 05:57)
• "You planned an attack on the Capitol. You inspired people to go to war over a lie that the election was stolen. And what makes it worse is you didn't even go get your hands dirty with them on January 6th." (Charlamagne, 06:07)

8. Signature Sign-Off

• Signature "Hee Haw" from Remy Ma: "'Please let Remy Ma give Enrique Terrio the biggest hee haw.' Hee haw. Hee haw. You stupid mother. Are you dumb?" (Charlamagne & Remy Ma, 06:15)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• Charlamagne:
  • "[…] do you respect law enforcement or not? Because if he respected law enforcement, then ex Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone wouldn't have gotten dragged into the mob[…]" (02:48)
  • "Enrique, you are absolutely wrong on January 6th, and you are absolutely wrong. And how you handled former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanon." (04:33)
  • "Look, man, this isn't about politics. It's about accountability, okay? Enrique, you are the poster child for ungratefulness." (05:29)
  • "You got pardoned, okay? Not exonerated. If you are seen as a traitor and clown, guess what? You earned that, okay?" (05:57)
• Remy Ma (Sound effect):
  • "Hee haw. Hee haw. You stupid mother. Are you dumb?" (06:15)
• Charlamagne’s analogy:
  • “In fact, insurrections and orgies have one thing in common… it ends up being just a bunch of dudes standing around with nothing to do but each other.” (05:43)

Summary & Takeaways

• Theme: The dangers of unchecked extremism, the hypocrisy of so-called "patriots," and the importance of genuine accountability—even when second chances (like pardons) are given.
• Core Critique: Tarrio squandered immense privilege and a second chance to change, instead doubling down on antagonism and victimhood.
• Message: Accountability transcends politics. Those who commit crimes against democracy and law enforcement must face consequences, and no pardon can erase the harm caused—or grant instant redemption.