GOP Senators Led by Lindsey Graham Speak Out Against Trump’s Promise of Pardons for Jan. 6 Defendants

A group of GOP senators led by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed opposition to a suggestion by former President Donald Trump that he would pardon Jan. 6 defendants if he returned to the Oval Office in 2025.

Trump has on several occasions decried the treatment of Jan. 6 defendants and hinted at the possibility of a presidential pardon.

During a Sept. 1 appearance on the show of Wendy Bell, a conservative radio host, Trump said he would both pardon and apologize to his supporters who had faced legal action in the aftermath of Jan. 6.

“I mean full pardons with an apology to many,” Trump said.

Several members of his party, however, have expressed opposition to the proposal.

In a Sept. 12 report by The Hill, Graham said that pardons for Jan. 6 defendants are “a bad idea.”

“Pardons are given to people who admit misconduct, rehabilitate themselves. They’re not supposed to be used for other purposes,” Graham argued.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a Trump ally, agreed.

“I don’t think potential candidates should hold pardons out as a promise,” said Cramer to The Hill. “It’s somewhat problematic for me on a moral level and an ethical level—sort of like promising other giveaways to particular individuals. I prefer avoiding those kinds of things.”

“If he were elected, he would have a constitutional ability to do it,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said of potential pardons. “I would disagree with it. I think there was insurrection and I think these folks need to be punished.

“I was there. This was truly violent. People were injured, people were killed. I have very little mercy for the individuals that were involved in that activity that day,” Rounds told The Hill.

“The only people that get pardoned are people who are charged with crimes. If they were charged with

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