Lindsey Graham Criticizes Trump’s Pardons for Capitol Rioters

DORAL, Fla. (AP) — Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, criticized the White House for pardoning individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, calling the move “sending the wrong signal.” Graham expressed concern about the broader implications of such clemencies during an interview with CNN on Sunday.

“I have always said that, I think, when you pardon people who attack police officers, you’re sending the wrong signal to the public at large,” Graham said. “It’s not what you want to do to protect cops.” Trump issued a blanket pardon last week, covering approximately 1,500 rioters involved in the Capitol attack, which aimed to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden‘s 2020 election victory.

Among those pardoned was Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right extremist group the Oath Keepers, who was released from prison after orchestrating the plot that led to the attack. Rhodes was seen standing behind Trump during a rally at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican, acknowledged Trump’s legal authority to issue pardons but warned of potential future consequences. “I fear that you will get more violence,” he said during an appearance on NBC‘s “Meet the Press.” He also drew parallels to Biden’s use of pardons, including clemencies issued in his final hours in office.

Vice President JD Vance, another Trump ally, defended the pardons during an interview on CBS‘s “Face the Nation,” stating that Trump’s team carefully reviewed individual cases. “Obviously, if you committed violence on that day, you shouldn’t be pardoned,” Vance said. “But they made the right decision.”

Graham’s comments reflect growing unease among some Republicans over the precedent set by Trump’s pardons. “I don’t like this. I don’t like it on either side,” Graham said. “If this continues, there may be an effort to rein in the pardon power of the president as an institution.”