Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Donald Trump, criticized the recent pardons granted to Capitol rioters, stating they “send the wrong signal.” Trump issued sweeping clemencies for around 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Graham expressed concern over the precedent set by such pardons and their potential to encourage future violence.
Capitol Rioters Pardoned: Quick Looks
- Graham’s Criticism: Lindsey Graham condemned pardons for rioters who assaulted police officers, citing public safety concerns.
- Trump’s Clemency Orders: The former president pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, including Oath Keepers’ leader Stewart Rhodes.
- Bipartisan Disapproval: Graham criticized clemencies issued by both Trump and Biden, citing a troubling precedent for the pardon power.
- Future Concerns: Graham warned such actions could lead to increased violence and calls to limit presidential pardon powers.
- Mixed Reactions: While Graham opposes the pardons, Vice President JD Vance defended the decisions, asserting they were carefully reviewed.
Sen. Graham: Pardoning Capitol Attackers Sends ‘Wrong Signal’
Deep Look
Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican and ally of Donald Trump, expressed disapproval over the recent pardons granted to individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Graham emphasized that pardoning rioters who attacked law enforcement “sends the wrong signal” to the public and undermines efforts to protect police officers.
The controversy arose after Trump issued sweeping clemency to approximately 1,500 individuals within hours of resuming office. Among those pardoned was Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the extremist Oath Keepers group, who orchestrated plans for the Capitol attack. Rhodes appeared alongside Trump during a rally in Las Vegas, sparking additional backlash.
When questioned about Rhodes’ presence, Graham noted that there were no legal restrictions preventing him from attending. However, the senator was critical of the broader implications of these pardons, pointing out that they erode public trust and could encourage violence.
“I don’t like it when President Trump pardoned people who beat up cops,” Graham stated, adding that he also disapproved of similar actions by President Joe Biden, who issued blanket clemencies for family members and government officials during his final hours in office.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Graham expressed concern about the precedent such actions set, suggesting they might lead to bipartisan efforts to curtail the president’s pardon power.
“I fear that you will get more violence,” Graham warned, emphasizing that pardoning violent individuals involved in the Capitol riot was a “mistake.”
Vice President JD Vance, another Trump ally, provided a more measured response. Vance acknowledged his previous reservations but defended the pardons, claiming Trump and his team thoroughly evaluated individual cases.
In an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Vance stated that the pardons were ultimately the “right decision.”
The debate over the pardons highlights a growing divide among Republicans on how to address the Capitol riot and its aftermath. Critics, including Graham, worry about the precedent set by pardoning violent offenders, while others argue the clemencies reflect a careful review process. As the conversation continues, there is mounting speculation about potential efforts to limit the scope of presidential pardoning powers in the future.
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