1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

The decision to pardon all individuals charged in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol is extremely concerning and sends a deeply troubling message. Freeing those who engaged in a violent assault to overturn a free and fair election undermines the rule of law and emboldens future acts of anti-democratic extremism. Many of those pardoned were convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers defending the Capitol, posing a grave threat to public safety. This blanket clemency disregards the seriousness of these offenses against America's democratic institutions and values. While the president has broad pardon powers, using them in this way erodes faith in the impartial administration of justice and equal application of the law. Restoring public trust requires accountability for such egregious attacks on the peaceful transfer of power.