Graham Criticizes Trump’s Pardons of Jan. 6 Rioters as ‘Mistake’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Sunday called President Donald Trump‘s decision to pardon individuals convicted of violent crimes during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot “a mistake.” Graham made the remarks during an interview on NBC News‘ “Meet the Press,” where he criticized the pardons as sending the wrong message about accountability for violent acts.

“Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently I think was a mistake, because it seems to suggest that’s an OK thing to do,” Graham told moderator Kristen Welker. He also drew a parallel to former President Joe Biden‘s recent pardons, suggesting that both actions could lead to a reevaluation of presidential pardon powers.

Graham’s comments came just days after Trump, hours into his second term, issued pardons to several individuals who pleaded guilty or were convicted for their roles in the Capitol riot. Among those pardoned were individuals who committed violent acts, including assaulting police officers, during the insurrection that left over 140 officers injured.

Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., echoed Graham’s concerns during the same program, stating that Biden’s pardons were also problematic. “What it says now to the Trump family and to President Trump’s kids: they can engage in any kind of malfeasance, criminality, graft, whatever, and they can expect a pardon on the way out the door,” Schiff said. “That is not a message you want to send to this family, or really any family occupying the White House.”

Graham acknowledged that Trump’s pardons fulfilled a campaign promise but emphasized his disapproval of pardoning violent offenders, regardless of political affiliation. “I don’t like the idea of bailing people out of jail or pardoning people who burn down cities and beat up cops, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat,” he said.

Public opinion polls conducted after Trump’s pardons showed that roughly 60% of Americans opposed clemency for Jan. 6 offenders. Despite this, Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, largely avoided criticizing Trump’s actions, instead urging the party to focus on moving forward.

Political analysts noted that the pardons could become a focal point in future campaigns. “Bad actors got out and they’re going to do something bad,” said Democratic strategist Bill Carrick, predicting that Democrats would highlight cases where pardoned individuals reoffended.

The debate over presidential pardons continues to spark controversy, with critics arguing that such actions undermine the rule of law. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the issue is likely to remain a contentious topic in American politics.