Rep. Donni Steel

Lake Orion GOP Lawmaker Rep. Donni Steele Backs Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters

Donni Steele’s endorsement of Trump’s plan to pardon Capitol rioters draws backlash as Michigan’s political landscape shifts ahead of November elections.

Steele’s Remarks Expose Divisions Over January 6 Pardons in Michigan Politics

LANSING — Michigan State Rep. Donni Steele (R-Lake Orion) has drawn fire after being recorded saying she would support Donald Trump if he pardoned rioters convicted for their role in the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Steele’s remarks came during a post-event conversation at a campaign stop on Thursday, where she aligned with the former president’s controversial promise to pardon individuals involved in the violent attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

The revelation, reported by MIRS News, underscores ongoing tensions within Michigan’s political scene, where Trump’s influence on the Republican Party remains contentious. The comments quickly sparked criticism from both local Democrats and Steele’s opponents, framing them as further evidence of the MAGA movement’s hold on the Michigan GOP.

Steele’s Democratic Opponent Expresses Outrage

Steele’s Democratic challenger, Shadia Martini, expressed shock at the endorsement of pardons for convicted rioters. Martini, a Syrian-American immigrant, said, “For a sitting state representative to support those who tried to violently overturn the 2020 election— I don’t know what to say. She is out of step with the district.” Martini further contrasted her personal experience with authoritarian regimes to highlight the threat she believes such support poses to democracy.

The Michigan Democratic Party also condemned Steele’s stance. Party spokesperson Tommy Kubitschek labeled Steele’s comments “a disgrace to our democracy” and criticized the Michigan GOP’s alignment with MAGA extremism. Kubitschek said the party’s support for anti-democratic actions has become a “norm” within the chaotic Michigan Republican Party.

Steele Faces Growing Backlash as Elections Approach

Steele’s comments are likely to fuel the heated political climate as Michigan prepares for the November election, with both parties framing the contest as a referendum on democracy and political accountability. The Michigan GOP has struggled to unify its base in recent years, with some factions aligning tightly with Trump while others seek a return to traditional conservatism.

Steele’s remarks also complicate her association with former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, a more moderate Republican who attended the same campaign event. While Snyder has distanced himself from Trump’s rhetoric, Steele’s open endorsement of the January 6 pardons signals a different approach, potentially alienating moderate voters in her district.

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Michael Hardy

Michael Hardy is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. Michael was born in Michigan and grew up near Caseville. In 2009 he started this fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has authored a vast range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.

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