Michael Whatley’s Endorsement of Controversial Pardons
Michael Whatley, a Republican contender for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, has expressed steadfast support for President Donald Trump’s controversial pardons of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. These pardons have sparked debate, especially in light of revelations that some recipients faced charges for serious crimes, including sexual offenses.
Initially, President Trump pledged to pardon only those involved in nonviolent acts during the 2021 riot. However, the scope was later widened to include all participants, many of whom, as reported by NPR, had pre-existing convictions or outstanding charges, such as rape and sexual offenses involving minors. More details can be found in the NPR report here.
In a February gathering, Whatley, when questioned about his stance on Trump’s pardons, reaffirmed his support, labeling the legal actions against the pardon recipients as “malicious.”
One highlighted case was that of David Daniel from Mint Hill, N.C., who had been charged with creating sexually explicit content involving a minor under 12. Although Daniel claimed the pardon covered this charge, a judge disagreed, leading to his guilty plea.
The issue of sex crime charges extended beyond the initial pardons. Notably, Andrew Paul Johnson of Florida, who had been pardoned, received a life sentence in March for molesting minors. Johnson reportedly promised one victim a portion of an anticipated settlement from the federal government if they remained silent, alluding to a fund Trump proposed to support those he termed victims of “government weaponization.”
Trump’s suggested slush fund, intended to aid pardoned individuals, has not progressed due to a federal judge’s intervention. Nonetheless, Whatley has openly endorsed this fund, as noted in a recent report here.
Whatley’s political history includes a stint as North Carolina Republican Party chairman from 2019 to 2024. His tenure is under scrutiny partly because of his appointments, such as Harvey West to key party committees, despite West’s conviction for a sexual offense involving a minor in 2000, as reported by Asheville Watchdog.
Endorsed by Trump, Whatley is set to challenge former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper in the upcoming general election.
