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During her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, addressed questions surrounding the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, was asked by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin whether she would recommend pardons for those convicted in connection with the riot. In her response, Bondi made it clear that while the power to grant pardons rests with the president, she would review each case individually and offer counsel to Trump on a case-by-case basis.
Trump has long hinted at pardoning the individuals who stormed the Capitol, framing it as a way to correct what many in his base see as an overreach by the justice system. The president-elect had previously promised a swift pardon on his first day in office, although details on that have been scarce. Bondi’s “case-by-case” approach, however, has drawn some criticism from staunch Trump supporters who believe it signals a lack of commitment to a blanket pardon for all involved. Some of Trump’s allies in Congress, like Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Andy Biggs, have explicitly called for such blanket pardons, suggesting that it is vital to show unwavering support for his loyal base.
While Bondi condemned the violence against law enforcement during the riot, noting that she would “look at each case” in relation to any violent offenders, her comments have left some questioning the direction the new administration might take on this issue. A significant number of defendants face charges related to assaulting police officers, with over 600 individuals charged for their roles in the Capitol siege.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has continued to consider pardons for individuals related to the investigation into January 6, as well as for certain political figures associated with Trump’s presidency. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a staunch critic of any pardons for January 6 rioters, has called such a move “insulting to our democracy” and believes it would undermine the sanctity of the peaceful transfer of power.
With confirmation hearings ongoing, Bondi’s selection as Attorney General is expected to sail through the Senate, as she is seen as a more traditional pick than Trump’s previous choice, former Representative Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration in late November due to insufficient support, had been one of the loudest advocates for pardoning those involved in the riot. Bondi, on the other hand, is expected to garner broader bipartisan support, especially from Senate Republicans.
As the confirmation process continues, it is clear that the issue of January 6 pardons remains a significant and divisive topic, especially for those who view the Capitol breach as an act of political defiance rather than criminal insurrection. With Bondi poised to take the helm at the Department of Justice, it remains to be seen how the new administration will handle these contentious issues in the months ahead.
