ABC News - Donald Trump will look at Jan. 6 pardons on an ‘individual basis’: Eric Schmitt
In a recent interview, Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt discussed various topics including U.S. foreign policy, the role of U.S. troops in Syria, and domestic intelligence reforms. Schmidt emphasized a shift towards a non-interventionist foreign policy under President Trump, focusing on core national interests such as defending the homeland and addressing challenges from China. He expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s involvement in 'forever wars' and highlighted the need for diplomacy, especially in the Middle East. Schmidt also addressed concerns about Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence, defending her as a patriot aligned with Trump's reform agenda. He criticized the intelligence community's past actions, such as the handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story, and supported reforms led by nominees like Kash Patel for FBI Director, who he believes will address corruption and restore trust. Finally, Schmidt touched on Trump's approach to pardoning individuals involved in the January 6th riots, advocating for case-by-case evaluations to distinguish between violent and non-violent actions.
Key Points:
- Senator Schmidt supports a non-interventionist foreign policy, focusing on core national interests and reducing involvement in 'forever wars.'
- He advocates for diplomacy in international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and supports Trump's stance on not intervening in Syria.
- Schmidt defends Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence, emphasizing her alignment with Trump's reform agenda and constitutional values.
- He supports Kash Patel's nomination for FBI Director, citing the need for reform in intelligence agencies and addressing past misconduct.
- Schmidt agrees with Trump's approach to individually assess pardons for January 6th participants, separating violent from non-violent offenders.