GOP Bigwigs Rap Trump's Plan To 'Pardon' Jan. 6 Rioters

On Saturday, defeated former President Donald Trump opened up the possibility of pardons for those who stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6 — if ever he snatches the White House in 2024.

Photo Insert: Senator Lindsey Graham and President then, Donald Trump at The White House

It was perhaps the closest he's gotten to endorsing the behavior of his most violent supporters that day, Brett Bachman reported for Salon.

Just a little more than 12 hours later, a number of high-profile Republicans rushed to denounce the comments: Sen. Lindsey Graham on CBS' "Face the Nation": “No, I don’t want to send any signal that it was OK to defile the Capitol. There are other groups with causes that may want to go down the violent path that these people get pardoned."

Sen. Susan Collins on ABC's "This Week" stated: I do not think the president should have made — that President Trump should have made that pledge to do pardons,”; Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire on CNN's "State of the Union": [In response to whether or not he agreed with Trump]. "Of course not. My goodness, no.”

Beyond the obvious possibility that Trump's comments may promote future violence in his name by supporters who anticipate a pardon should Trump win re-election, the statement may also affect plea bargain negotiations currently occurring.

So far, there are more than 725 rioters facing charges (though federal authorities say more than 2,000 people in total breached the Capitol that day). Just three have been handed sentences that would extend beyond Biden's first term — but many more are facing stiff sentences should they be convicted, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

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