Attorney General Nominee Bondi Addresses Potential Pardons Related to January 6th Events

January 16, 2025 TruthUSA

“The authority to grant pardons lies with the president. We will review and provide counsel. I am committed to examining each case individually,” Bondi stated.

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general, declared on Jan. 15 her intent to advise the president on potential pardons, which might include clemency for individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“If I am confirmed as attorney general of the United States, while the responsibility for pardons ultimately rests with the president, I will evaluate each case and provide guidance on an individual basis, just as I have throughout my career as a prosecutor,” Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, told Senator Dick Durbin (D-Wash.) during her confirmation hearing in Washington.

Durbin questioned Bondi on whether she would support pardoning those convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers on Jan. 6, urging her for a straightforward answer.

“Senator, I have yet to review any of those files. If confirmed and asked to offer my advice to the president, I will assess every single file,” Bondi responded. “But I want to emphasize clearly: I condemn any violence directed at law enforcement officers in this nation.”

Trump recently indicated he would grant pardons to Jan. 6 defendants shortly after assuming office on Jan. 20, although he has suggested that not all defendants would receive pardons.

Vice President-elect JD Vance mentioned over the weekend that individuals who participated peacefully in the Jan. 6 protests should be pardoned, while those who engaged in violence should not.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) revisited the topic of pardons later that Wednesday.

“As the attorney for someone incarcerated, can you commit to reviewing the application and considering it before making a decision?” he asked.

“Yes,” Bondi confirmed.

“No matter the individual? Good. That’s how the process should function,” Graham responded.

Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), during his inquiry, questioned Bondi on whether she would be willing to advise the president against pardoning those who assaulted police officers.

“Senator, as I mentioned earlier, pardons are determined by the president. We will review and offer advice. I will scrutinize each case on an individual basis and I detest violence against police,” Bondi reiterated.

Schiff then inquired if Bondi was prepared to convey to Trump: “Mr. President, I understand you intend to issue numerous pardons on your first day. … No, Mr. President, I must assess each case individually. Do not provide blanket pardons.”

“Senator, I have not yet examined those files. If confirmed, I will review them thoroughly,” Bondi replied.

When Schiff suggested that Bondi would not evaluate every file, she emphasized that she would. “I will not mislead this committee or you,” she stated.

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