Palm Beach, FL – December 8, 2024
In a move that has already sparked national controversy, former President Donald J. Trump took to Twitter at 3:00 a.m. this morning to issue a stunning statement: anyone who apprehends or kills “The Adjuster,” the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will be pardoned if Trump is reelected in 2028.
The tweet, delivered in classic Trumpian fashion, read:
“Brian Thompson was a TRUE PATRIOT, a HERO of capitalism, and a friend of America! If YOU bring ‘The Adjuster’ to justice—dead or alive—I WILL PARDON YOU when I’m back in the White House. SAD what’s happening to our GREAT COUNTRY! MAGA!”
The statement immediately lit up social media, triggering a tidal wave of reactions ranging from shock and condemnation to cheers from Trump’s diehard supporters. The hashtag #TrumpPardon was trending within minutes, alongside the equally divisive #KillTheAdjuster.
A Bold Move to Defend Capitalism
Speaking to reporters later in the morning, Trump elaborated on his stance during an impromptu press conference outside Mar-a-Lago. Wearing a red “MAGA Forever” hat and flanked by an American flag, Trump doubled down on his promise.
“Brian Thompson was the BEST. A tremendous man. They don’t make them like Brian anymore,” Trump declared. “He worked hard, he created jobs, and he fought for the free market. This assassin, this ‘Adjuster,’ is a disgrace—an enemy of America. If the woke deep state justice system won’t act, THE PEOPLE will.”
He also took the opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden and his administration. “Crooked Joe won’t lift a finger. He doesn’t care about capitalism. He doesn’t care about law and order. But when I’m back in the Oval Office, I’ll MAKE AMERICA SAFE FOR CEOS AGAIN!”
Reaction from the Public
Trump’s late-night tweet has been met with fierce backlash from political leaders, legal experts, and activists. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a statement condemning the tweet as “reckless and dangerous, encouraging vigilantism and eroding the rule of law.” Meanwhile, legal scholars have pointed out that issuing a pardon for a crime committed in the future raises profound ethical and constitutional questions.
“This is unprecedented,” said Dr. Louise Abernathy, a professor of constitutional law. “Trump is essentially encouraging acts of violence under the promise of a pardon. It’s not only unethical—it’s potentially illegal.”
Critics also noted the irony of Trump positioning himself as a defender of capitalism, given his administration’s frequent clashes with corporate leaders and healthcare executives.
Support from MAGA Loyalists
Unsurprisingly, Trump’s most ardent supporters have rallied behind his proclamation, hailing it as a bold move to restore order and protect American values. MAGA forums and Telegram channels lit up with plans for citizen-led manhunts, with some users branding themselves “The Adjuster’s Adjusters.”
“It’s time to take back our country,” wrote one user on Truth Social, Trump’s own platform. “This isn’t just about Brian Thompson. It’s about sending a message that we won’t tolerate attacks on the people who make America great.”
Others, however, have expressed confusion over the practicality of Trump’s promise. “What happens if he doesn’t win?” one supporter mused. “Do we still go after the guy or wait until 2028?”
A Polarizing Legacy
This isn’t the first time Trump has waded into controversy over vigilante justice. His presidency was marked by several instances of controversial pardons, including one for Sheriff Joe Arpaio and another for Blackwater contractors convicted of war crimes. Critics argue that today’s tweet is part of a larger pattern of Trump undermining legal norms for political gain.
Whether this gambit will resonate with voters or backfire remains to be seen. In the meantime, the nation grapples with the fallout of a statement that seems poised to test the limits of America’s political and legal systems.
One thing is clear: Donald J. Trump is once again dominating the headlines—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.