Latest news with #Whitmer
8 hours ago
- Politics
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Trump told her he would not pardon men convicted in kidnapping plot
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump would be going back on his word to her if he pardoned two men who are serving prison sentences for leading a 2020 plot to kidnap her. Whitmer, a Democrat, told Michigan Public Radio on Thursday that Trump asked her about a month ago how she would feel if he pardoned the two men. 'I said, 'I think it would be the wrong decision,'' Whitmer recounted. 'I would oppose it and he said, 'OK, I'll drop it.'' Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, recounted the conversation one day after Trump said he was considering a pardon for the men, saying, 'I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention.' The Republican president said he followed the men's trial and 'it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job.' He said the men 'were drinking and I think they said stupid things.' The U.S. Justice Department's new pardon attorney also said this month he would take a 'hard look' at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox. Croft, 49, and Fox, 42, were portrayed as leaders of the kidnapping scheme. They were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2022. Croft, a trucker from Delaware, was also found guilty of a weapons charge. Croft was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, while Fox, a Grand Rapids man, got a 16-year term. They are being held at a prison in Colorado — the most secure in the federal system. Whitmer later told an audience following a speech at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference that she plans to talk to Trump again about the pardoning matter. 'We have an ongoing dialogue now ... very different from the first term,' she said about Trump and turned to smile at the audience. The White House did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Whitmer's remarks. Whitmer and Trump clashed publicly during his first term, with Trump referring to her as ' that woman from Michigan.' She has blamed Trump for the political anger that motivated the plot to kidnap her right before the 2020 presidential election. Whitmer also hinted Thursday at anger over the possibility of pardons, saying she was disappointed to hear the news he was considering it. 'No one should hesitate to condemn political violence,' she said, noting the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year. Whitmer has faced scrutiny from some Democrats for taking a more collaborative approach to the Trump administration in his second term. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who has criticized Whitmer for working with and appearing with Trump, said releasing the convicted men is 'no laughing matter.' 'The reward you get for cozying up to Trump is him threatening to pardon the terrorists who plotted to kidnap and murder you,' she said on social media. Whitmer's collaboration with Trump has come with several awkward moments for her this year, including when she was unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press conference as Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate two former members of his previous administration who had publicly criticized him. Their new dynamic also led to some wins for her administration, including securing new jets at a military airbase invasive carp.
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Trump told her he would not pardon men convicted in kidnapping plot
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump would be going back on his word to her if he pardoned two men who are serving prison sentences for leading a 2020 plot to kidnap her. Whitmer , a Democrat, told Michigan Public Radio on Thursday that Trump asked her about a month ago how she would feel if he pardoned the two men. 'I said, 'I think it would be the wrong decision,'' Whitmer recounted. 'I would oppose it and he said, 'OK, I'll drop it.'' Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, recounted the conversation one day after Trump said he was considering a pardon for the men, saying, 'I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention.' The Republican president said he followed the men's trial and 'it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job.' He said the men 'were drinking and I think they said stupid things.' The U.S. Justice Department's new pardon attorney also said this month he would take a 'hard look' at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox . Croft, 49, and Fox, 42, were portrayed as leaders of the kidnapping scheme. They were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2022. Croft, a trucker from Delaware, was also found guilty of a weapons charge. Croft was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, while Fox, a Grand Rapids man, got a 16-year term. They are being held at a prison in Colorado — the most secure in the federal system. Whitmer later told an audience following a speech at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference that she plans to talk to Trump again about the pardoning matter. 'We have an ongoing dialogue now ... very different from the first term,' she said about Trump and turned to smile at the audience. The White House did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Whitmer's remarks. Whitmer and Trump clashed publicly during his first term, with Trump referring to her as ' that woman from Michigan .' She has blamed Trump for the political anger that motivated the plot to kidnap her right before the 2020 presidential election. Whitmer also hinted Thursday at anger over the possibility of pardons, saying she was disappointed to hear the news he was considering it. 'No one should hesitate to condemn political violence,' she said, noting the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year. Whitmer has faced scrutiny from some Democrats for taking a more collaborative approach to the Trump administration in his second term. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who has criticized Whitmer for working with and appearing with Trump, said releasing the convicted men is 'no laughing matter.' 'The reward you get for cozying up to Trump is him threatening to pardon the terrorists who plotted to kidnap and murder you,' she said on social media . Whitmer's collaboration with Trump has come with several awkward moments for her this year, including when she was unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press conference as Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate two former members of his previous administration who had publicly criticized him. Their new dynamic also led to some wins for her administration, including securing new jets at a military airbase in Michigan and a commitment from Trump to fund a project to protect Lake Michigan from invasive carp . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Trump told her he would not pardon men convicted in kidnapping plot
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump would be going back on his word to her if he pardoned two men who are serving prison sentences for leading a 2020 plot to kidnap her. Whitmer, a Democrat, told Michigan Public Radio on Thursday that Trump asked her about a month ago how she would feel if he pardoned the two men. 'I said, 'I think it would be the wrong decision,'' Whitmer recounted. 'I would oppose it and he said, 'OK, I'll drop it.'' Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, recounted the conversation one day after Trump said he was considering a pardon for the men, saying, 'I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention.' The Republican president said he followed the men's trial and 'it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job.' He said the men 'were drinking and I think they said stupid things.' The U.S. Justice Department's new pardon attorney also said this month he would take a 'hard look' at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox. Croft, 49, and Fox, 42, were portrayed as leaders of the kidnapping scheme. They were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2022. Croft, a trucker from Delaware, was also found guilty of a weapons charge. Croft was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, while Fox, a Grand Rapids man, got a 16-year term. They are being held at a prison in Colorado — the most secure in the federal system. Whitmer later told an audience following a speech at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference that she plans to talk to Trump again about the pardoning matter. 'We have an ongoing dialogue now ... very different from the first term,' she said about Trump and turned to smile at the audience. The White House did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Whitmer's remarks. Whitmer and Trump clashed publicly during his first term, with Trump referring to her as ' that woman from Michigan.' She has blamed Trump for the political anger that motivated the plot to kidnap her right before the 2020 presidential election. Whitmer also hinted Thursday at anger over the possibility of pardons, saying she was disappointed to hear the news he was considering it. 'No one should hesitate to condemn political violence,' she said, noting the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year. Whitmer has faced scrutiny from some Democrats for taking a more collaborative approach to the Trump administration in his second term. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who has criticized Whitmer for working with and appearing with Trump, said releasing the convicted men is 'no laughing matter.' 'The reward you get for cozying up to Trump is him threatening to pardon the terrorists who plotted to kidnap and murder you,' she said on social media. Whitmer's collaboration with Trump has come with several awkward moments for her this year, including when she was unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press conference as Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate two former members of his previous administration who had publicly criticized him. Their new dynamic also led to some wins for her administration, including securing new jets at a military airbase in Michigan and a commitment from Trump to fund a project to protect Lake Michigan from invasive carp.
Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Trump told her he would not pardon men convicted in kidnapping plot
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump would be going back on his word to her if he pardoned two men who are serving prison sentences for leading a 2020 plot to kidnap her. Whitmer, a Democrat, told Michigan Public Radio on Thursday that Trump asked her about a month ago how she would feel if he pardoned the two men. 'I said, 'I think it would be the wrong decision,'' Whitmer recounted. 'I would oppose it and he said, 'OK, I'll drop it.'' Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, recounted the conversation one day after Trump said he was considering a pardon for the men, saying, 'I will take a look at it. It's been brought to my attention.' The Republican president said he followed the men's trial and 'it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job.' He said the men 'were drinking and I think they said stupid things.' The U.S. Justice Department's new pardon attorney also said this month he would take a 'hard look' at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox. Croft, 49, and Fox, 42, were portrayed as leaders of the kidnapping scheme. They were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2022. Croft, a trucker from Delaware, was also found guilty of a weapons charge. Croft was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, while Fox, a Grand Rapids man, got a 16-year term. They are being held at a prison in Colorado — the most secure in the federal system. Whitmer later told an audience following a speech at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference that she plans to talk to Trump again about the pardoning matter. 'We have an ongoing dialogue now … very different from the first term,' she said about Trump and turned to smile at the audience. The White House did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Whitmer's remarks. Whitmer and Trump clashed publicly during his first term, with Trump referring to her as ' that woman from Michigan.' She has blamed Trump for the political anger that motivated the plot to kidnap her right before the 2020 presidential election. Whitmer also hinted Thursday at anger over the possibility of pardons, saying she was disappointed to hear the news he was considering it. 'No one should hesitate to condemn political violence,' she said, noting the arson attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year. Whitmer has faced scrutiny from some Democrats for taking a more collaborative approach to the Trump administration in his second term. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who has criticized Whitmer for working with and appearing with Trump, said releasing the convicted men is 'no laughing matter.' 'The reward you get for cozying up to Trump is him threatening to pardon the terrorists who plotted to kidnap and murder you,' she said on social media. Whitmer's collaboration with Trump has come with several awkward moments for her this year, including when she was unexpectedly in the Oval Office during a press conference as Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate two former members of his previous administration who had publicly criticized him. Their new dynamic also led to some wins for her administration, including securing new jets at a military airbase in Michigan and a commitment from Trump to fund a project to protect Lake Michigan from invasive carp.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Whitmer: Trump said he would not pardon kidnapping plotters
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said in a new interview that President Trump told her that he would not pardon those convicted of a failed plot to kidnap her in 2020. 'Well, I think anything short of condemning political violence does a disservice to everyone. I'll be honest with you, I talked to the President about a month ago and he asked me how I'd feel about this and I said I think it would be the wrong decision. I would oppose it and he said 'okay, I'll drop it.' Now, we see this revelation. So, I'm not sure how to process it,' Whitmer told Michigan Public Radio. Whitmer noted she was one of the first public officials to condemn the attempted assassination of Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., adding that she will again reach out to the White House regarding the potential pardons. 'We don't take up arms and harm one another. And so, I'm going to make my thoughts on this known to the White House again,' Whitmer said in the interview, released Thursday. 'And I hope that it's not an action that they take.' The governor's remarks came just a day after Trump showed openness to pardoning Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., two men convicted for a failed plot to kidnap the Michigan governor from her vacation home during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak due to being dissatisfied with restrictions imposed in the state. 'I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I'll be honest with you. It looked to me like some people said some stupid things, you know they were drinking, and I think they said stupid things,' Trump said on Wednesday. 'But I'll take a look at that. A lot of people are asking me that question, from both sides actually. A lot of people think they got railroaded,' the president added. 'A lot of people think they got railroaded and probably some people don't.' Fox was convicted and later sentenced to 16 years in prison on two conspiracy charges connected to the kidnapping plot and one more for planning to utilize a weapon to distract law enforcement by blowing up a bridge. Croft was sentenced to 19 years in jail in 2022 for charges stemming from the plot, along with another charge for having an unregistered explosive. Three other men were found not guilty on all related counts in September 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
