House Republican Says 'Donald Trump Has Never Been About Retribution'

A Republican congressman defended President-elect Donald Trump against accusations of seeking vengeance, stating that Trump’s focus has always been on preventing the misuse of government agencies.  

The remarks by Ohio Representative Jim Jordan came during a Thursday interview with Fox Business following reports that President Joe Biden is considering preemptive pardons for individuals potentially targeted by Trump’s incoming administration. Politico reported that those under consideration for pardons include California Senator-elect Adam Schiff, former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, retired General Mark Milley, and Dr. Anthony Fauci.  

“This is ridiculous,” Jordan told host Larry Kudlow. “Donald Trump has never been about retribution. His goal has been to stop agencies from being weaponized against Americans and against himself.” He criticized legal actions taken by prosecutors Fani Willis, Alvin Bragg, and Special Counsel Jack Smith, calling them “ridiculous.”  

Willis, Bragg, and Smith have all brought criminal cases against Trump, with Bragg’s office securing a conviction earlier this year.  

Despite Jordan’s defense, Trump has publicly targeted critics and officials, often demanding their prosecution. On Truth Social, Trump reshared a post suggesting that Cheney face a military tribunal for treason. Another post displayed images of political opponents, including Biden, Harris, Pelosi, and McConnell, accompanied by calls for their imprisonment.  

Schiff, who led Trump’s first impeachment inquiry, has also been a frequent target. Trump previously accused Schiff of “fraud and treason” over his role in the inquiry and alleged misrepresentation of a call with Ukraine’s president.  

Fauci, a key figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, also faced Trump’s ire. Prominent Trump allies, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have called for Fauci’s prosecution, accusing him of lying to Congress.  

Retired General Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump’s first term, has emerged as a vocal critic. In his retirement speech, Milley appeared to allude to Trump, emphasizing loyalty to the Constitution rather than to any individual leader. Milley recently described Trump as “fascist to the core” and the “most dangerous person to this country” in comments to journalist Bob Woodward.  

As Trump prepares to take office again, the clash between his administration and his critics remains a focal point in American politics.