Congressman Krishnamoorthi Asks WH Counsel Whether President Trump Is Considering Pardoning Himself Or Rioters Following Storming Of The Capitol
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent a letter to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone citing his concern at reports that President Trump is considering pardoning himself. This letter follows a January 2nd letter that Congressman Krishnamoorthi sent to White House Counsel regarding the wave of pardons for President Trump's personal associates, a December 8th letter that Congressman Krishnamoorthi sent to White House Counsel regarding whether President Trump would issue preemptive pardons to his family members, and a December 3rd letter that Congressman Krishnamoorthi sent to White House Counsel regarding the pardon of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
"As you know, on Wednesday, January 6th, supporters of the President stormed and ultimately breached the Capitol Building, laying siege to it for many hours, trying to prevent the certification process of the Electoral College in the presidential election," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "President Trump is largely responsible for encouraging the original march to the Capitol that led to this siege."
As a rsult of President Trump's role inciting violence on Wednesday, January 6th, Congressman Krishnamoorthi cited his concern that President Trump may attempt to free himself from potential criminal liability through a self-pardon. There is also a concern that President Trump may attempt to pardon the rioters who were involved in the violent events on Wednesday.
"A self-pardon, as well as pardons of rioters who were part of this past week's insurrection, would be offensive to the integrity and value of our elections, constitution, and democracy," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.
Next week, Congressman Krishnamoorthi will reintroduce the Presidential Pardon Transparency Act which would require that all Presidential pardons be disclosed to the public within three days of being issued. Until that legislation is made law, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has stated that he intends to continue to question President Trump's use of the pardon power during his final days in office.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested the following information from the White House Counsel:
- Is the White House reviewing the possibility of the President pardoning himself? If so, for what potential charges?
- Is the White House considering pardons for the rioters at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, January 6th?
A copy of the letter is available here.