In a rally speech in Phoenix on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump suggested that former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is “going to be fine,” suggesting that he may pardon the lawman.
Arpaio, 85, is slated to be sentenced on Oct. 5 after he was convicted on federal contempt-of-court charges.
“I'll make a prediction: I think he’s going to be just fine, okay?” Trump told the crowd, referring to Arpaio, who is known for his tough treatment on illegal immigrants.
“But I won’t do it tonight because I don’t want to cause any controversy, is that okay?” the president joked. “But Sheriff Joe can feel good,” he added.
Arpaio, who was known as “America’s toughest sheriff,” was convicted last month, and he could face as many as six months in jail
On Aug. 14, Fox News reported that Trump indicated that he was “seriously considering” a pardon. Trump called Arpaio “a great American patriot.”
