President Donald Trump's stunning remark, leaving the door open to pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, led to a desperate plea to reverse course from right-wing ally Laura Loomer and MAGA fans.
During a news conference on Monday, CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins asked Trump whether he was considering pardoning Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking. Trump suggested he was unaware of critical facts in Maxwell's case, and told Collins he would have to "look at" her case to determine if a pardon was necessary.
Trump told reporters he would need to consult with the Department of Justice before making any decision, explicitly stating, "I haven't heard the name in so long," Trump said. "I would have to take a look at it."
CNN's Jake Tapper appeared stunned by the remark, telling viewers, "That's sure bizarre!"
It also appeared to worry Loomer, a right-wing influencer known for her white nationalist views and far-right conspiracy theories.
"I strongly advise AGAINST anyone lobbying the Trump admin and the DOJ to Pardon Ghislaine Maxwell. Do not do it. I repeat. Do not do it. There will be no coming back from that. I repeat again. For the love of God. Do Not Do It," she wrote on X.
Loomer tagged Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi in her post.
Many of her followers agreed.
Common Sense Crusader wrote on X, "This would be the absolute worst thing that could happen for the current administration and republicans in general. I agree, there will be no coming back from it. The fact that he didn’t answer with a sharp 'NO' is bad enough."
Jeremy Daily wrote on X, "We’re going to get Maxwell pardoned before we get Schiff arrested. What is this administration doing?"
Citizen X added, "Agreed. Just leave that alone. There is just no legitimate, sensible reason to explain to the American people why she’d be pardoned. No good would come from doing that."
