Trump Says He’d Shield Fraud-Busting Reporters From Future Dem ‘Weaponization’

President Donald Trump said he is prepared to use his pardon authority to shield journalists who uncover fraud from prosecution if a future Democratic administration goes after them. Responding to a question from the Daily Wire's Mary Margaret Olohan, he said he would do so openly and gladly, adding that Democrats have already signaled they intend to weaponize the government. Any such pardon would have to come during his own term and would cover only past federal offenses, not state charges or later conduct.

The journalist he singled out was Nick Shirley, a 24-year-old Utah YouTuber whose December 2025 video of seemingly empty Minneapolis daycares drew national attention to alleged fraud in Minnesota. Federal health officials froze childcare payments to the state, and Gov. Tim Walz dropped his reelection bid. Agents searched more than 20 Twin Cities sites in April, and Fahima Mahamud, owner of Future Leaders Early Learning, pleaded guilty in July to a wire fraud-related charge brought in May. Shirley says he has received death threats and now travels with security.

Daily Wire reports that Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, Jan. 6 committee members and staff, and relatives, including Hunter Biden.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Daily Wire’s reporting. Read the full story at Daily Wire →