Public statements from Senator Blumenthal or legal documents

Biden Considers Preemptive Pardons for J6 Committee Amid Trump's Threats, Blumenthal Opposes

Dec 12, 2024, 09:30 PM

President Joe Biden is reportedly considering issuing preemptive pardons to several high-profile figures, including members of the January 6 committee, amid concerns they might face legal repercussions under the incoming Trump administration. Rep. Bennie Thompson, the former chair of the committee, has indicated he would accept such a pardon, emphasizing that it would be President Biden's prerogative. This move comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's comments suggesting that members of the committee should be jailed. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has voiced strong opposition to these preemptive pardons on CNN, arguing they could be perceived as an implicit acknowledgment of guilt and that the legal system should be trusted to handle any potential charges. He believes that any unfounded charges would ultimately cause a backlash against Trump, and he would offer pro bono legal counsel to those accused, making these cases a test case for the principle of justice. The potential recipients of these pardons include notable figures like Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, and Anthony Fauci, highlighting the political tensions and the use of presidential pardons as a protective measure against perceived political vendettas.