Trump mulls pardon for men convicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot

• Whitmer's office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Driving the news: "It's been brought to my attention," Trump said in the Oval Office Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro. "I did watch the trial — it looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job."

• He attributed the conduct that led to charges to people saying "stupid things" and drinking.
• "A lot of people are asking me that question — from both sides, actually," he said. "A lot of people think they got railroaded."

Catch up quick: Prosecutors alleged that the group intended to kidnap Whitmer in a plot that was partially in response to her COVID-19 restrictions and foiled by the FBI.

• Fourteen men were charged in the plan, and nine were ultimately convicted or pleaded guilty, per the Detroit Free Press.

• Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., the co-leaders of the plot to overthrow the state government, were sentenced to 16 years and more than 19 years, respectively.

Friction point: After charges were brought in the case in October 2020, Whitmer in a press conference pointed to Trump's refusal to condemn white supremacists during a presidential debate, saying "Hate groups heard the president's words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry, as a call to action."

• Whitmer, who is widely considered to be a 2028 contender, has met with the president during his second term.

Go deeper: Whitmer kidnap plotters charged with conspiracy to use weapon of mass destruction