Former Vice President Mike Pence strongly opposed President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, especially those who attacked law enforcement officers.
At the Dispatch’s Summit 2024, Pence stated, “I don’t think the president should pardon anyone who assaulted a police officer at the United States Capitol on January 6,” referencing the violent 2021 attack that forced him and his family into hiding while rioters chanted, “Hang Mike Pence.”
He emphasized his belief that he and his family did their duty to defend the Constitution, expressing hope that the new administration would uphold the rule of law.
Pence also mentioned that he and his wife were praying for President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance to honor their commitments.
While Pence acknowledged recent GOP victories in Congress, he raised concerns about the risks of a second Trump term, warning that the American public would not tolerate weakened presidential safeguards.
Trump, who has called the January 6 rioters “political prisoners,” has indicated he may consider pardoning many of them, though he said each case would be assessed individually.
