(DCWatchdog.com) – With whispers of pardons in the air, GOP senators have made it clear that they would offer no resistance to President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to pardon those convicted in the January 6th protest.
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Applauding President Biden’s controversial pardon of Hunter Biden, they’ve paved a path for Trump’s potential clemency.
The GOP stands ready to see what Trump’s decision will set in stone.
Republican senators are placing the pardon decision squarely on President-elect Trump’s shoulders.
As GOP Sen. John Thune pointed out, “As we found from Hunter Biden, the president’s pardon authority is pretty extensive. That’s obviously a decision he’ll have to make.”
Even amid divisions, many Republicans view Biden’s actions as precedent-setting, underscoring the breadth of presidential pardon powers, AOL writes in a report.
Senate Republicans have been vocal about not obstructing Trump’s potential pardon plans for the January 6 protesters.
They assert that just as Biden pardoned his son for numerous infractions over many years, Trump should equally have the freedom to decide on these “political hostages.”
Trump’s statement calling for potential jail time for the House Jan. 6 Committee members met little resistance from the GOP, WIVB reports.
President Trump has repeatedly declared his intentions to pardon the January 6 crowd on “Day 1” of his presidency, sparking anticipation and support amongst his base.
However, with over 1,250 individuals convicted or pled guilty, and 645 sentenced to prison for their actions on that day, not all are convinced of such broad clemency.
GOP senatorial figures like Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn emphasize appropriate use of this power, suggesting leniency for those who did not partake in violence.
Senators like Mitch McConnell maintain an opposing stance, not favoring sentence reductions or pardons for those who conceded their guilt.
McConnell emphasized, “I would not be in favor of shortening any of the sentences of any of the people who pleaded guilty to crimes.”
This divergence of thought within the GOP reflects the broader national debate on accountability versus clemency.
Beyond the Senate halls, prominent Republicans have shown restraint, with figures like Senator Bill Cassidy awaiting Trump’s final decision before voicing opinions.
Even former Vice President Mike Pence, who has refrained from endorsing Trump for 2024 partially due to January 6 tensions, expressed frustration over Trump’s “hostages” comment.
This political quagmire places the GOP on a tightrope, navigating the prospects of forgiveness with principles of justice and order.
https://t.co/d80DjF0bEW Republican senators who witnessed firsthand the Jan. 6, 2021, ransacking of congressional offices now say it’s up to President-elect Trump whether to pardon those protesters convicted of federal crimes.
— Alf Beauman🇪🇺 (@forumhus) December 14, 2024
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