Trump Pardon Pledge for Jan 6 Rioters Sparks Fury, Divides GOP

The firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene has been lobbying Trump relentlessly, advocating for a blanket pardon of all who participated in the siege. "Here we are nearly four years later. Many of these people have been in prison since 2021. Even the ones that fought Capitol Police, caused damage to the Capitol, I think they've served their time and I think they should all be pardoned and released from prison," Greene thundered, decrying what she sees as "a two-tiered justice system."

But even some of Trump's staunchest allies are hesitant to go that far. Rep. Jim Jordan, a top Trump ally who leads the House Judiciary Committee, drew a line: "For people who didn't commit any violence, I think everyone supports that. I think that makes sense." Veteran Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis echoed a similar sentiment, saying, "You've got to look at it individually. Some probably deserve to be pardoned." However, when asked about those who attacked Capitol Police officers, he balked: "My goodness. Again, I'd have to look at the scenario. But if they attacked the U.S. Capitol Police, it's a big problem."

The prospect of pardoning those who assaulted law enforcement -- in what Matthew Graves, the outgoing U.S. attorney in the nation's capital, called "likely the largest single day mass assault of law enforcement" in American history -- has drawn scathing criticism. "You cannot be pro-police officer and rule of law if you are pardoning people who betrayed that trust, injured police officers and ransacked the Capitol," said Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who retired due to injuries sustained while fighting rioters.

House Democrats, who led the charge to impeach Trump over the insurrection, have sounded the alarm over the far-reaching consequences of such pardons. "Those 140-odd law enforcement people who got hurt defending this institution, I think anyone who loves peace and security would be offended that you would pardon people who attacked those individuals for doing their jobs," warned Rep. Bennie Thompson, who led the House committee investigating the events of January 6th.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead impeachment manager during Trump's second impeachment trial, urged caution, suggesting that if pardons are granted, "people should demand contrition and repentance from each of those pardoned and an affirmative statement they pose no further threat to public safety. Because anything that happens by these people, in a political context or some other context, will essentially be laid at the doorstep soon-to-be President Donald Trump."

For lawmakers who were trapped in the Capitol as the mob bayed for their blood, the prospect of pardons is a visceral affront. Rep. Jim Himes, who was trapped in the House gallery as rioters tried to break in below, said it would be "extraordinarily difficult" for him and many others if Trump follows through on his promise. "I'm pretty controlled and pretty disciplined, but that would be really hard," Himes admitted. "Too many of us had very personal experiences with the people who are serving time or were convicted."

As the nation marks the fourth anniversary of the January 6th attack, the specter of pardons hangs heavy -- a divisive issue that could further inflame tensions and undermine faith in the democratic process. The question remains: will Trump wield his pardon power as a blunt instrument of retribution, or will he heed the calls for measured restraint and respect for the rule of law?