Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon several individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. Graham, a longtime ally of Trump, stated that the pardons were a “mistake” and that those who engaged in violent and destructive behavior should be held accountable.
Graham’s comments come as a surprise, as he has historically been a strong supporter of Trump and has often defended his actions. However, Graham’s stance on the pardons suggests that he may be willing to distance himself from Trump’s more controversial decisions.
The pardons, which were issued in December, granted immunity to several individuals who were charged with or convicted of crimes related to the January 6th insurrection. The pardons were widely criticized by Democrats and many Republicans, who argued that they were an attempt to undermine the rule of law and undermine the legitimacy of the US criminal justice system.
Graham’s criticism of the pardons is likely to add to the growing pressure on Trump to take responsibility for his actions. Many Republicans have been calling for Trump to acknowledge his role in the insurrection and to take steps to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
It remains to be seen whether Graham’s criticism of the pardons will have any impact on Trump’s actions or on the broader political landscape. However, it is clear that Graham’s stance on the issue is a significant departure from his previous support for Trump and suggests that he may be willing to take a more independent stance in the future.