Republican senators have stated that decisions about pardoning individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack rest entirely with President-elect Donald Trump. This follows President Biden’s recent controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which some lawmakers say has set a precedent for broad executive clemency.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) affirmed that Trump holds “extensive” pardon authority, saying, “That’s a decision he’ll have to make.” According to an NBC interview, Trump has signaled plans to pardon many of the convicted protesters on “Day 1” of his presidency.
Since the Capitol attack, over 1,250 individuals have been convicted or pleaded guilty, with 645 sentenced to prison. While Trump allies such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) suggest leniency for non-violent offenders, they oppose clemency for those who assaulted law enforcement.
Senate Republicans’ stance on pardons has softened following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, which secured Republican majorities in Congress. However, some members, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), have called for caution, stating, “I want to see what exactly Trump will do.”
The issue has reignited debates about the characterization of January 6 defendants. Trump has referred to them as “hostages,” a term that drew sharp rebukes earlier from GOP leaders such as Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and former Vice President Mike Pence, who was targeted by rioters on January 6.
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