Senator Lindsey Graham, a top Republican ally of Donald Trump, has publicly criticized the former president’s decision to issue a blanket pardon for nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, the South Carolina senator called the move a “mistake,” particularly for those who assaulted law enforcement officers during the attack.
Graham acknowledged that presidential pardon power is constitutional but expressed concerns over its application in this case. “I don’t like it on either side, and I don’t think the public likes it either,” he stated, referencing similar controversial pardons issued by President Joe Biden. His comments reflect broader unease within the Republican Party, as lawmakers grapple with the political implications of Trump’s sweeping clemency order.
Republican Party Divided Over Donald Trump’s Executive Order
Donald Trump’s mass pardons have sparked a divide within the GOP, forcing lawmakers to choose between defending the decision or risking Donald Trump’s disapproval. While Graham and other Republicans like Senator Lisa Murkowski and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have voiced discontent, others remain steadfast in their support of the former president. A recent Associated Press poll found that only two in ten Americans approve of pardoning most of the rioters, indicating that the decision could pose political risks for Trump and his allies.
Despite the controversy, some Republicans have defended Trump’s executive order. House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the issue, stating, “The president’s made his decision. I don’t second-guess those.” Johnson further emphasized his belief in “redemption and second chances,” suggesting that the rioters had already faced severe consequences. This divide within the GOP highlights the party’s struggle to balance law-and-order principles with loyalty to Trump.
Vice President JD Vance Defends Trump’s Pardons
Vice President JD Vance, who had previously condemned violent actions on January 6, reversed his stance on Sunday, offering a strong defense of Trump’s decision. During an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Vance argued that the Department of Justice had politically targeted the rioters, leading to “a massive denial of due process and constitutional rights.” He asserted that Trump’s pardons were necessary to “rectify a wrong” and insisted that he stood by the decision.
Vance’s shift underscores the broader dilemma facing Republican leaders: aligning with Trump’s base or appealing to the wider electorate, many of whom disapprove of the pardons. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other top Republicans have largely sidestepped the controversy, instead focusing on future legislative priorities. However, with Trump still a dominant force in the party, his executive order is likely to remain a contentious issue heading into the 2024 election.
Senate Democrats Push Resolution Against Donald Trump’s Pardons
A group of Senate Democrats is set to introduce a resolution condemning former President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot. According to CBS News, the resolution, spearheaded by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), aims to formally denounce Trump’s actions and reaffirm the events of that day as an attack on democracy.
“I refuse to allow President Trump to rewrite what happened on January 6—armed insurrectionists, incited by Trump himself, broke into the U.S. Capitol and violently assaulted Capitol Police officers in their attempt to overthrow a free and fair election,” Senator Murray stated. Despite strong opposition from Democrats, the resolution faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Senate. However, it could serve as a political litmus test, forcing lawmakers to publicly state their position on Trump’s controversial pardons.
Trump’s Swift Policy Reversals Draw GOP Praise
While Democrats criticize Trump’s decision, many Republicans have applauded his aggressive approach to governance. Since returning to office, Trump has issued a flurry of executive actions, quickly reversing several Biden-era policies. These include halting foreign aid under his “America First” policy, rescinding sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers, and revoking COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federal workers.
Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) defended Trump’s rapid policy shifts, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. “He’s not sitting in the Oval Office doing nothing,” Vance told CBS. “He’s doing the American people’s business, and I think they’re going to see a lot of good effects from it.” He described Trump’s pace as “an incredible breakneck pace of activity” and praised him for taking decisive action in response to his electoral mandate.
