Even Lindsey Graham is calling Donald Trump’s latest move a “bad idea”
Donald Trump for promising to issue pardons to Jan 6 insurrectionists.On a radio interview on September 1, Trump indicated that if elected again, he’d look at pardons for those who stormed the capitol: “I mean full pardons with an apology to many.”Trump’s comments faced immediate backlash from Democrats, but also made some GOP figures uncomfortable.The Hill approached several lawmakers and asked their opinion.
Lindsey Graham, who is normally a devout Trump ally, was among those to break rank, calling it a “bad idea.”“Pardons are given to people who admit misconduct, rehabilitate themselves.
They’re not supposed to be used for other purposes,” he said.“It reinforces violence. The people who defiled the Capitol and took the law in their own hands deserve to be brought to justice,” he added.Related: Lindsey Graham may want to stay off Twitter todayNorth Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer, also normally a Trump ally, echoed Graham’s comments.“I don’t think potential candidates should hold pardons out as a promise.
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,” he said.South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds agreed.“I was there.
