A conservative pundit named Ben Shapiro has started a campaign to get President Trump to release Derek Chauvin from his federal prison sentences that were linked to the death of George Floyd in May 2020. Shapiro says Chauvin was wrongfully accused because of strong social and political pressure, which made the hearing less fair. He made a website called pardonderek.com where people can put their names on a list to ask the government to forgive Derek Chauvin.
Shapiro says that threats, blackmail, and bullying from outside sources kept the jury from making a fair choice. He also says that Floyd’s drug use and health problems from before his death played a part in his death, which suggests that Chauvin’s actions were not based on race.
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Elon Musk, acting as an advisor to President Trump, has amplified Shapiro’s call by sharing the petition on social media, stating it’s “something to think about.”
Something to think about https://t.co/KbZQEMpFXP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 4, 2025
Derek Chauvin is currently serving concurrent sentences: 22.5 years for his state conviction of second-degree murder and 21 years for federal civil rights violations. A presidential pardon could only change the federal conviction.
The person would still have to serve their state term unless Minnesota officials stepped in. Attorney General Keith Ellison of Minnesota made it clear that Derek Chauvin would not be freed by a federal pardon. He said that would be disrespectful to George Floyd and the rule of law.
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People have very different views on Derke Chauvin’s convictions and on problems of race and justice in America in general, as shown by the conversation over Shapiro’s petition. So far, President Trump has not said anything about the plea in public.
