Sen. Lindsey Graham Criticises Trump's Pardons of Jan. 6 Offenders

January 26, 2025

By Evans Momodu
1-minute read

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., expressed disapproval on Sunday over former President Donald Trump's decision to pardon individuals convicted of violent crimes during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Graham stated, "Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and violently attacked police officers, I think, was a mistake. It seems to suggest that's an acceptable thing to do."

Graham also drew a comparison between Trump’s pardons and recent actions by President Joe Biden, who issued pardons for several family members in his final hours in office last week.

“Biden pardoned half his family on his way out,” Graham remarked. “If this trend continues, I think most Americans will begin to question the president’s pardon power.”

He reiterated his stance against pardoning individuals involved in violence, particularly those who assaulted law enforcement officers. "As to pardoning violent people who beat up cops, I think that's a mistake," Graham said.

Hours into his second term, Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 of his supporters who had pled guilty or been convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot, fulfilling a major campaign promise.
Source: NBC