Sanders Criticizes Trump’s Pardons, Says They Shouldn’t Be Compared to Biden’s

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) argued Tuesday that Americans should not equate President Donald Trump’s pardons with those issued by former President Joe Biden.

Speaking on CNN’s The Source, Sanders responded to questions about Trump’s sweeping executive actions, including pardons for January 6 rioters, and comparisons to Biden’s pardons during his final day in office.

Host Kaitlan Collins specifically addressed Biden’s controversial decision to pardon family members and close associates before leaving office, which he justified as a precaution against potential retribution from Trump during a second term.

Sanders acknowledged the debate surrounding Biden’s actions but maintained that they are fundamentally different from Trump’s.

“What I think is that Biden was concerned, given all of Trump’s rhetoric, that Trump would go after his family and close associates,” Sanders said. “That’s a concern, but don’t equate the two.”

Sanders emphasized the severity of Trump’s pardons, particularly for individuals involved in the Capitol attack.

“What Trump is saying to the world is that it’s okay to attack police officers if you feel like it,” Sanders said. “And I think that is an outrageous message to send to the world.”

While Sanders admitted that Biden’s pardons could be debated as right or wrong, he argued that they were unrelated to Trump’s actions. “It has nothing to do with what Trump did today,” he stated.

Biden’s pardons, which included family members, marked an unprecedented use of presidential power and divided Democrats. Some supported the move, citing concerns over Trump’s threats of retribution, while others opposed it.

Once sworn in, Trump moved swiftly to pardon nearly all rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Sanders was particularly vocal about the message these pardons sent.

“To tell the entire world that we’re going to pardon people who attacked and hurt police officers is telling,” Sanders said. “I think that is a horrible message, and I strongly disagree with his pardoning of those insurrectionists.”

Both Biden’s and Trump’s pardons have sparked scrutiny, but Sanders urged Americans to focus on the distinct nature of each case.

He concluded by reiterating his disapproval of Trump’s actions, particularly in light of his purported support for law enforcement.