Donald Trump reignited controversy by applauding a federal settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the pro-Trump extremist who was fatally shot while storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Speaking to a crowd of fervent supporters, Trump called the agreement “a win for justice,” insisting that Babbitt was “an American patriot murdered in cold blood.” His statement directly contradicts the legal findings that exonerated the Capitol Police officer who fired the shot.
The settlement, quietly confirmed in federal court, represents a shocking reversal of previous Justice Department stances and was negotiated under a MAGA-friendly wing of the current DOJ leadership. Though the exact payout remains sealed, sources suggest it could amount to millions in taxpayer funds. Critics on Capitol Hill blasted the deal as an affront to democracy, with Rep. Jamie Raskin calling it “blood money for insurrection.”
Legal Experts Decry “Insulting” Taxpayer-Funded Payout to Rioter’s Family
Donald Trump’s defense of the settlement comes amid a storm of criticism from legal analysts who argue that the agreement undermines the rule of law. “This is a violent insurrectionist being rewarded for attacking democracy,” said Caroline Fredrickson, a constitutional scholar and civil liberties attorney. “The state is essentially validating the idea that criminal behavior in the name of political extremism deserves compensation.”
Many experts contend that the payout sets a perilous precedent. In no other modern instance has a person engaged in violent sedition been posthumously celebrated with federal funds. It’s particularly disturbing that this legal settlement was finalized without a transparent public review or congressional oversight, raising fears that Trump-aligned DOJ officials are actively rehabilitating the image of January 6 insurrectionists.
Inside the MAGA Legal Strategy: Rewriting the Narrative of January 6
Donald Trump’s legal orbit has steadily worked to shift public perception of the Capitol riot from sedition to martyrdom. By pushing for this settlement and publicly praising Babbitt, Trump further cements her as a symbolic figure within the MAGA mythology. His lawyers argue that Babbitt’s civil rights were violated — a claim widely rejected by congressional investigations and judicial findings.
This narrative shift plays well to Trump’s base but comes at the cost of historical accuracy and institutional integrity. His campaign frequently features images of Babbitt, branding her as a “patriot victim,” even as prosecutors continue to convict rioters on serious federal charges. The deliberate politicization of Babbitt’s death serves as a strategic maneuver to rally radical support across the far-right political spectrum.
Democratic Lawmakers Sound Alarm: “This Is How Autocrats Are Born”
Leading Democrats expressed horror over the settlement, warning that it emboldens violent extremists and sets the nation on a dangerous path. “Donald Trump is turning traitors into heroes,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This is how democracies die — not with a bang, but with applause for insurrectionists.” Calls are mounting for a congressional probe into how the agreement was negotiated and which DOJ officials authorized it.
The sentiment on Capitol Hill is one of betrayal. Many lawmakers who survived the January 6 attack believe that Babbitt’s actions — attempting to breach a secure hallway where members of Congress were barricaded — justified the use of deadly force. They argue that settling with her family disrespects the officers who defended democracy and the lawmakers whose lives were at risk.
Capitol Police Stand by Officer Who Shot Babbitt: “He Saved Lives”
While Donald Trump lionizes Babbitt, the U.S. Capitol Police remain steadfast in defending the actions of the officer who shot her. In a statement, the department reaffirmed that the use of deadly force was “reasonable and necessary” to prevent further violence and protect legislators. The officer, whose identity was initially withheld due to safety concerns, was cleared of all wrongdoing after an internal investigation and a Justice Department review.
“We will not apologize for defending democracy,” the department declared. “This was not a protest. It was an attack.” The officer involved has since returned to duty, though remains under threat from far-right activists. The Babbitt settlement has reawakened fears among Capitol Police that political interference could endanger their ability to act decisively in future crises.
Donald Trump’s Dangerous Rhetoric Fuels New Extremist Mobilization
By publicly celebrating Ashli Babbitt and financially empowering her family, Donald Trump is throwing gasoline on the fire of extremist mobilization. Far-right networks have seized on the settlement as vindication and are already organizing rallies to honor Babbitt as a martyr. Donald Trump’s comments — calling her “a really good person” and “big MAGA fan” — have become rallying cries for groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
This growing cult of personality around Babbitt threatens to radicalize more individuals and complicate law enforcement efforts to prevent future acts of domestic terror. Counterterrorism officials have warned that Trump’s continued embrace of violent actors may embolden others to act out under the guise of “patriotism.” As one DHS analyst put it, “He’s not just rewriting history — he’s weaponizing it.”
