Morning Joe Episode – January 22, 2025

Hosts: Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski with Willie Geist

1. President Trump's Pardons for January 6th Rioters

The episode delves deeply into President Donald Trump's controversial decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6th Capitol attack. This move has ignited a fervent debate across political lines, with significant implications for law enforcement, the justice system, and the political landscape.

a. Overview of the Pardons

President Trump issued pardons and commutations for those involved in the Capitol riot, including individuals convicted of assaulting police officers. Notable pardons include Enrico Taro Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, and Stuart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers militia, both convicted of seditious conspiracy.

b. Host and Panel Reactions

• Rob Lowe (Timestamp: 03:29): Expresses strong disapproval, stating, "If you don't enforce the presumption of innocence, don't be surprised."

• Mika Brzezinski (Timestamp: 07:48): Initially supports the pardons, saying, "I think Trump did the right thing," but acknowledges nuances in the justice system.

• Joe Scarborough (Timestamp: 09:01): Challenges the justification, noting inconsistencies in President Trump's defenses.

• Jonathan Le Maire (Timestamp: 08:05): Highlights the mixed reactions among Republican lawmakers, with some supporting and others criticizing the pardons.

c. President Trump's Defense

President Trump defended his actions by emphasizing the harsh conditions of prisons and the belief that many pardoned individuals did not receive fair treatment:

Donald Trump (Timestamp: 01:18): “They’ve served years in jail. Their lives have been ruined.”

He further criticized the prison system, describing it as "horrible" and "inhumane."

d. Legislative and Law Enforcement Responses

• Senator Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley: Show varying degrees of support and criticism, reflecting a split within the GOP.

• Wall Street Journal Editorial (Timestamp: 17:22): Condemns the pardons as a "rotten message" that tarnishes Trump's legacy.

• Michael Fanone, Former D.C. Police Officer (Timestamp: 25:12): Shares his personal ordeal and the threats he faces post-pardons, highlighting the real-world impact on law enforcement officers and their families.

  Michael Fanone (Timestamp: 30:19): “These individuals pled guilty. They admitted that they assaulted a uniformed law enforcement officer who was simply doing his job.”

e. Public Opinion and Polling

A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll indicates a divided public opinion, with 47% approving of Trump’s presidency but 58% opposing the blanket pardons for January 6th rioters.

2. Nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

The discussion shifts to the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, which is now under scrutiny due to new allegations.

a. Allegations Against Hegseth

An affidavit from Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Dietrich, alleges abusive behavior, including threats and emotional manipulation. These claims coincide with Senator Jack Reed's inquiry into Hegseth's past conduct.

b. Republican Senators' Standpoints

• Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski: Among Republicans expressing concern over the new allegations.

• Jonathan Le Maire (Timestamp: 22:52): Notes that despite the allegations, the Trump administration is aggressively supporting Hegseth's nomination.

Jonathan Le Maire (Timestamp: 27:15): “These Republicans, many of them on Capitol Hill, twist themselves in knots to look the other way.”

3. Removal of John Bolton’s Secret Service Detail

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has had his Secret Service protection terminated by President Trump, raising questions about possible retribution.

Donald Trump (Timestamp: 48:01): “We’re not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives... He’s the one that got us involved, along with Cheney.”

4. Confirmation of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and China's Reaction

Marco Rubio’s confirmation as the first Latino Secretary of State in U.S. history introduces a new dynamic in U.S.-China relations.

a. Impact on U.S.-China Relations

China has responded cautiously, maintaining sanctions against Rubio but expressing the need for continued high-level communication.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson (Timestamp: 51:20): “China will firmly safeguard its national interests. High-level officials of both China and the US need to maintain contact in an appropriate manner.”

b. Rubio’s Sanctions and Name Translation

Chinese social media users have observed changes in how Rubio's name is translated, possibly as a tactic to navigate sanctions.

5. Interview with Michael Fanone

Michael Fanone, a former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer assaulted during the January 6th attack, shares his harrowing experiences and the ongoing threats he and his family face due to the pardons.

Michael Fanone (Timestamp: 30:30): “Donald Trump chose to pardon these violent criminals. They are all out on the street today because of Donald Trump's actions.”

He details specific assaults, ongoing threats, and the emotional toll on his family, emphasizing the broader implications for law enforcement and justice.

6. Additional News and Developments

• Elon Musk’s Role in Foreign Policy: Discussed as a complicating factor in U.S. foreign relations, particularly with China.

• Janice McAfeeer’s Reporting from Beijing: Provides insights into China's stance on Rubio's confirmation and the potential impact on diplomatic relations.

Key Takeaways

• Polarizing Pardons: President Trump's decision to pardon January 6th rioters has deeply divided public opinion and elicited strong reactions from lawmakers and law enforcement.

• Justice System Concerns: The pardons raise questions about the integrity of the justice system and the message it sends to law enforcement officers.

• Political Ramifications: The nominations and protective measures taken by the Trump administration suggest a broader strategy of consolidating power and addressing perceived injustices against allies.

• International Relations: Marco Rubio's confirmation as Secretary of State introduces new challenges and considerations in U.S.-China relations.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Scarborough (Timestamp: 09:01): “What about the pardons?”

• Mika Brzezinski (Timestamp: 07:48): “I think Trump did the right thing.”

• Michael Fanone (Timestamp: 30:30): “They are all out on the street today because of Donald Trump's actions.”

• Donald Trump (Timestamp: 48:01): “He’s the one that got us involved, along with Cheney.”

This episode of Morning Joe offers a comprehensive examination of the immediate and far-reaching effects of President Trump's pardoning of January 6th rioters, the ensuing political fallout, and the personal toll on law enforcement officers like Michael Fanone. The discussions highlight the deepening divisions within the Republican Party, challenges in the justice system, and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy under the new administration.