In the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots, pardons issued by Donald Trump have sparked ongoing debate, particularly around individuals involved in serious offenses. Republican Michael Whatley stands firm in his support for these pardons, despite revelations that some recipients have faced charges of sex crimes.
Trump’s controversial decision to grant a blanket pardon to participants in the 2021 Capitol riot, initially reserved for nonviolent offenders, has raised eyebrows. An NPR report highlighted that dozens of those pardoned have histories of convictions or pending charges, including serious crimes like rape and child sexual abuse.
Michael Whatley, a North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate, faced inquiries about his stance on these pardons during a February meet-and-greet. When asked if he still supported Trump’s decision, Whatley affirmed his support, labeling the legal actions against the rioters as “malicious.”
Among those pardoned was David Daniel of Mint Hill, N.C., who was charged with producing sexually explicit material involving a minor under 12. Despite arguing that his pardon covered this charge, a judge ruled otherwise, leading Daniel to plead guilty.
Additional charges followed for some pardoned individuals. Andrew Paul Johnson of Florida received a life sentence in March for molesting minors. Johnson reportedly offered one victim a share of a federal settlement he anticipated, should they remain silent, possibly inspired by Trump’s attempted slush fund for victims of governmental “weaponization.”
Whatley expressed support for this fund, which is currently stalled by a federal court decision.
Whatley’s endorsement of the pardons risks drawing scrutiny, given his past role as chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2019 to 2024. During his tenure, he appointed Harvey West to two party committees, despite West’s 2000 guilty plea for indecent liberties with a minor, as reported by the Asheville Watchdog.
As Whatley campaigns for the U.S. Senate, he carries Trump’s endorsement and will challenge former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in the upcoming general election.
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