Posted 1/14/2024, 4:48:01 PM
Ernst criticizes Trump comparison of Jan. 6 prisoners to hostages held abroad
- Sen. Joni Ernst criticized Trump's description of Jan. 6 prisoners as "hostages", saying it does not compare to Americans actually held hostage abroad
- Ernst referenced Americans held hostage by Hamas since October attack on Israel, saying they are tortured and denied medication
- Sunday marked 100 days since Americans were seized by Hamas; some are marking with tape labeled "100"
- White House press secretary called Trump's rhetoric "grotesque" for comparing the two hostage situations
- Despite criticism, Ernst said she is "not opposed" to Trump pardoning Jan. 6 prisoners if elected, saying it's a president's prerogative