A recent survey shows that a majority of Americans oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to potentially pardon individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 protests at the U.S. Capitol. Trump, who is set to return to the White House after decisively beating Vice President Kamala Harris, revealed in an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker that he is considering pardons for those caught up in what many conservatives see as politically motivated prosecutions stemming from the 2021 events.
These protests, sparked by concerns over election integrity following widespread allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election, have led to harsh penalties for many involved. "I will examine every case carefully. From day one, I plan to act quickly and ensure justice for those who have been treated unfairly," Trump said. He did clarify, however, that he would not be considering pardons for individuals he described as "radical" or "crazy," while acknowledging that many have endured significant and unjust hardships.
The Monmouth University poll found that while 61 percent said they opposed pardons for January 6 participants, 34 percent supported them, and 5 percent were undecided. These findings come amid broader concerns about unequal treatment under the law, as conservatives point to the Biden administration’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden on tax fraud and gun charges. That controversial move, criticized across the political spectrum, has fueled arguments for equal application of clemency.
Support for Hunter Biden’s pardon was dismally low, with just 32 percent approving and 58 percent disapproving of the decision, further exposing the double standard in how justice is applied. The poll surveyed 1,006 adults between December 5 and December 10, with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
The Justice Department has charged over 1,000 individuals related to January 6, with many facing severe penalties, including 547 charged with allegedly assaulting or interfering with law enforcement. Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed his commitment to reviewing each case individually, focusing on those who have been unfairly targeted or denied due process. Conservatives argue that these prosecutions represent a disturbing overreach by the justice system, and Trump’s pledge to restore fairness is resonating with many Americans.
These protests, sparked by concerns over election integrity following widespread allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election, have led to harsh penalties for many involved. "I will examine every case carefully. From day one, I plan to act quickly and ensure justice for those who have been treated unfairly," Trump said. He did clarify, however, that he would not be considering pardons for individuals he described as "radical" or "crazy," while acknowledging that many have endured significant and unjust hardships.
The Monmouth University poll found that while 61 percent said they opposed pardons for January 6 participants, 34 percent supported them, and 5 percent were undecided. These findings come amid broader concerns about unequal treatment under the law, as conservatives point to the Biden administration’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden on tax fraud and gun charges. That controversial move, criticized across the political spectrum, has fueled arguments for equal application of clemency.
Support for Hunter Biden’s pardon was dismally low, with just 32 percent approving and 58 percent disapproving of the decision, further exposing the double standard in how justice is applied. The poll surveyed 1,006 adults between December 5 and December 10, with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
The Justice Department has charged over 1,000 individuals related to January 6, with many facing severe penalties, including 547 charged with allegedly assaulting or interfering with law enforcement. Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed his commitment to reviewing each case individually, focusing on those who have been unfairly targeted or denied due process. Conservatives argue that these prosecutions represent a disturbing overreach by the justice system, and Trump’s pledge to restore fairness is resonating with many Americans.
