One of former President Donald Trump’s closest allies has come out to condemn the former president’s promise to pardon the rioters that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
According to The Hill, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed that pardoning the January 6 rioters was a “bad idea.”
Instead, Graham emphasized that “Pardons are given to people who admit misconduct, rehabilitate themselves,” adding, “They’re not supposed to be used for other purposes.”
But Graham wasn’t the only Senate Republican to object to the pardon promise.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also objected to the promise of pardons but didn’t call out Trump by name.
Instead, Cramer said, “I don’t think potential candidates should hold pardons out as a promise,” adding, “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,” Cramer exerted.
Cramer is also a consistent Trump ally.
Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) also voiced his disagreement with the pardons but acknowledged, “If he were elected, he would have a constitutional ability to do it.”
“I think there was an insurrection, and I think these folks need to be punished,” Rounds continued.
Rounds also recalled the violence of the day’s events, saying, “People were injured, people were killed. I have very little mercy for the individuals that were involved in that activity that day.”
Senate Republican Whip John Thune reiterated Rounds’ sentiment, saying, “The rule of law applies. If people broke laws, they need to be held accountable.”
