Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Latin Times
Latin Times
Politics
Allison Walker

Lindsey Graham Warns That Trump's Capitol Riot Pardons Could Spark 'More Violence'

Staunch Trump-supporter Republican Senator Lindsey Graham spoke out against President Trump's decision to issue blanket pardons for the involved in the January 6 Capitol Insurrection. (Credit: NBC News)

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham spoke out against President Trump's decision to issue blanket pardons for the involved in the January 6 Capitol Insurrection, cautioning that such pardons could encourage more violence.

"He had the legal authority to do it," Graham said on NBC's Meet the Press, while acknowledging Trump's authority. "But I fear that you will get more violence. Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently I think was a mistake, because it seems to suggest that's an okay thing to do."

Graham's disapproval extended to both parties and comes amid bipartisan outrage over Biden's pardon of a drug trafficker tied to a double murder of mother and child.

"Biden pardoned half his family going out the door. I think most Americans, if this continues, to see this as an abuse of the pardon power, that we'll revisit the pardon power of the president if this continues. But as to pardoning violent people who beat up cops, I think that's a mistake," Graham said.

"I don't like the idea of bailing people out of jail or pardoning people who burn down cities and beat up cops, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat," he added.

Moderator Kristen Welker also asked about the signal these pardons might send to officers who were harmed on January 6th.

"There's really been no better supporter of law enforcement in general," Graham asserted. "But law enforcement didn't like this. He said it during the campaign, he's not tricking people. You know, Biden promised not to pardon his family; he did. Trump said, 'I'm going to pardon these people.' So the fact that he did it is no surprise."

Graham's stance on Trump's pardons drew sharp criticism from Republicans on X, labeling him a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only).

"I'm one of those J6 prisoners who received a pardon and Lindsey is a RINO", Derrick Evans posted.

"Actions speak louder than words, Lindsey Graham is a COWARD," another user posted.

© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.