Some Senate Republicans are speaking out against former President Donald Trump’s claim that he plans to pardon people convicted for rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, The Hill reports.
Speaking to The Hill, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that granting pardons to Capitol rioters is a bad idea.
“Pardons are given to people who admit misconduct, rehabilitate themselves. They’re not supposed to be used for other purposes,” he said.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) also spoke up, saying that he doesn’t think potential presidential candidates should offer pardons as campaign promises.
“It’s somewhat problematic for me on a moral level and an ethical level — sort of like promising other giveaways to particular individuals,” he said. “I prefer avoiding those kinds of things.”
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) said if Trump were elected, “he would have a constitutional ability to do it.”
“I would disagree with it. I think there was insurrection and I think these folks need to be punished,” he added. “I was there. This was truly violent. People were injured, people were killed. I have very little mercy for the individuals that were involved in that activity that day.”
Read the full report over at The Hill.
