Rumors President Trump will Pardon Derek Chauvin Sparks Backlash

Minneapolis prepares for unrest as left-wing leaders panic over potential federal action—Trump allies say justice demands a second look.

As the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death looms, rumors that President Donald Trump may issue a federal pardon for Derek Chauvin have triggered a political firestorm in Minnesota. While Trump has not confirmed any plans, the very idea is enough to send the state’s Democratic leaders into full panic mode.

Backlash From the Left

Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are all reportedly on high alert. Sources told Newsweek that state and local agencies have quietly begun preparing for protests—even riots—should a pardon occur.

Ellison, the progressive attorney general who led the controversial prosecution of Chauvin, issued a fiery statement: “Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in front of the whole world.” He went further, accusing Trump of even considering the move as a way to “show further disrespect for George Floyd—and for the rule of law.”

But Trump supporters see it differently.

What a Pardon Would Actually Mean

It’s important to note: President Trump cannot pardon Chauvin’s state-level conviction. Only the federal civil rights conviction is under his jurisdiction. Even if the federal sentence were lifted, Chauvin would remain locked up in Minnesota, where he’s serving a 22.5-year term for second-degree murder.

Still, the symbolism is everything. And that’s what has sparked the firestorm.

“This has nothing to do with justice,” Walz told reporters. “It’s political theater.” But critics say it’s the original prosecution that was politically motivated—driven by mob pressure in the wake of violent protests, not fair trial standards.

Trump’s Track Record on Law and Order

President Trump made waves earlier this year when he pardoned two D.C. police officers convicted in the 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown. That decision raised eyebrows—and hopes among supporters of law enforcement that Chauvin might be next.

The speculation grew louder after conservative influencers like Ben Shapiro and Elon Musk suggested the case against Chauvin was a political trophy for the left.

In an open letter to Trump, Shapiro called the conviction “the defining achievement of the Woke movement,” and urged the president to help “turn the page” on that divisive chapter.

Democrats Brace for Fallout

City officials in Minneapolis aren’t waiting to see what happens. An internal memo reviewed by the Star Tribunereportedly instructed city workers on how to handle backlash, should a pardon occur. The instructions: condemn Trump, reassure the public, and emphasize that Chauvin is staying in prison.

Public Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette said they have “no credible intel” on any planned unrest but confirmed “out of an abundance of caution, we’re preparing for any outcome.”

The American Divide on Chauvin

The Chauvin case has become a national flashpoint, representing far more than a single legal verdict. To many on the right, it embodies a justice system hijacked by politics. To many on the left, it’s a landmark in their push for so-called racial justice.

Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, slammed Shapiro’s comments in a CNN interview. “Stay in your lane,” he said. “Chauvin’s knee was on my brother’s neck until his last breath. That’s a fact.”

Bottom Line

The debate over a Chauvin pardon isn’t just legal—it’s cultural, political, and deeply personal. While Trump hasn’t made any promises, the outrage from Democratic leaders and the quiet preparations for unrest tell the real story: They’re scared he just might do it.

And if he does, it won’t be the end of a controversy. It will be the start of a new political earthquake.