President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to assess potential pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection within the early moments of his tenure. This stance has elicited contrasting reactions, with some viewing it as a sound approach and others expressing deep apprehension.
During consecutive appearances on ABC’s ‘This Week,’ Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) voiced starkly different opinions regarding Trump’s pledge.
Schmitt, responding to host George Stephanopoulos’ query about his concerns over potential pardons for violent protesters from January 6, endorsed Trump’s commitment to evaluate each case separately as ‘the exact right approach.’
‘I believe in distinguishing between violent and nonviolent actions, and [Trump] has made it clear that he will scrutinize these cases individually,’ Schmitt stated. ‘The media’s and the Democrats’ fixation on January 6th stems from their narrative against President Trump’s return to power.’
Conversely, Schiff raised alarm about the implications of pardoning participants in the January 6 riot, emphasizing that voters elected Trump to address crime, not to absolve individuals who engaged in violence.
‘To pardon individuals who assaulted police officers, inflicted harm, and used bear spray— is that the pardon he seeks?’ Schiff queried Stephanopoulos.
Despite Trump’s threat to pursue legal action against certain members of the Jan. 6 investigative committee, Schiff made it clear that he opposes President Joe Biden granting preemptive pardons.
‘Granting blanket, preemptive pardons as an administration exits sets a dangerous precedent,’ noted Schiff, a House panel member. ‘I have conveyed this message publicly and privately to the administration.’
In an interview with Time magazine following his designation as ‘Person of the Year,’ Trump disclosed his intention to evaluate pardon requests on a case-by-case basis.
‘For those who were not involved in violence, I believe they have faced sufficient consequences,’ Trump shared with Time. ‘I will assess each situation and consider pardons for those who acted in an extreme manner.’
