BRANDER NEWS:Title **Trump’s ‘Ridiculous’ Claim About Voiding Biden’s Pardons for January 6 Committee Members Draws Widespread Criticism

In a move that sparked significant backlash, former President Donald Trump made a bold and controversial claim regarding President Joe Biden’s pardons for individuals associated with the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump, in his usual inflammatory style, stated that if he were re-elected to the presidency, he would have the power to “void” Biden’s pardons for the members of the January 6 Committee. His assertion quickly drew widespread criticism from legal experts, political analysts, and members of the public who viewed the statement as not only impractical but also legally unfounded.

Trump’s remarks came during a rally, where he reiterated his grievances about the January 6th investigation and the aftermath of the Capitol riot, which occurred during the certification of the 2020 election results. His comments were seemingly an attempt to challenge the legitimacy of the investigation, as well as to undermine the work of those who were instrumental in holding him accountable for his role in the events of that day. However, his claim regarding the pardons for committee members raised more questions than it answered.

### **The Core of Trump’s Claim: What Did He Say?**

Trump’s comments were made in the context of a broader criticism of the January 6th Committee, which investigated the attack on the U.S. Capitol. He argued that President Biden’s pardons for members of the committee, which was responsible for investigating the events surrounding the insurrection, were somehow problematic. Specifically, he claimed that if he were re-elected, he would be able to reverse or “void” these pardons, suggesting that they were part of a broader political conspiracy against him.

The former president, who has a long history of challenging the legal and political systems with his unorthodox rhetoric, seemed to believe that the power of the presidency could extend to undoing pardons granted by his successor. His statement, however, quickly attracted the ire of legal scholars and constitutional experts, who pointed out several key flaws in his reasoning.

### **Legal Experts Push Back: Why Trump’s Claim Doesn’t Hold Water**

First and foremost, Trump’s suggestion that a future president could undo a predecessor’s pardons is fundamentally at odds with the U.S. Constitution. The presidential pardon power, granted under Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, allows the president to pardon individuals for federal offenses. However, this power does not extend to undoing or reversing pardons granted by a previous president. A president’s pardon power is considered absolute within their term, and there is no legal mechanism that allows a subsequent president to revoke such actions.

In fact, the Supreme Court has consistently upheld the broad and nearly unilateral scope of the pardon power. There are very few restrictions, and no precedent exists for one president attempting to void the pardons granted by a former president. To claim that a future president could simply void the pardons issued by another would be a radical reinterpretation of the law with no historical or legal support.

Moreover, the individuals who received pardons from President Biden in relation to the January 6th incident—whether they were involved in the riot or in efforts to challenge the election results—were granted clemency based on the legal process of their individual cases. To suggest that a future president could step in and reverse those decisions undermines the entire concept of the pardon power, which is meant to be an individual, discretionary act free from political interference.

### **Political Fallout: Trump’s Comments Reflect Growing Desperation**

While Trump’s comments were clearly intended to stoke outrage and rally his base, they also revealed a growing sense of desperation as he faces increasing legal and political challenges. The former president has been under intense scrutiny following the events of January 6, which led to both his second impeachment and numerous ongoing investigations. By invoking the idea of undoing presidential pardons, Trump sought to regain political momentum, presenting himself as the savior who would “correct” what he sees as an unjust system.

However, this approach risks alienating not only his opponents but also key constituencies within the Republican Party who are increasingly wary of his divisive rhetoric. Trump’s increasingly outlandish claims, including his latest about pardons, have the potential to backfire, especially as the nation grapples with the serious consequences of the Capitol insurrection and the ongoing political polarization.

### **A Dangerous Precedent: The Impact of Trump’s Claims on Democracy**

Trump’s remarks also raise deeper concerns about the potential erosion of democratic norms. His repeated attempts to undermine the legitimacy of investigations, the judicial system, and the political process are seen by many as part of a broader effort to delegitimize institutions that he perceives as hostile to his agenda. The notion that a future president could undo pardons granted by a predecessor is a dangerous and unsubstantiated claim that, if taken seriously, could have profound implications for the functioning of the U.S. government.

Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric feeds into the broader narrative that the United States is facing a crisis of trust in its political and legal systems. If such claims were allowed to go unchallenged, it would set a dangerous precedent for future leaders to override established legal processes for political gain, further eroding the rule of law.

### **Conclusion: A Politician in a Corner**

In the end, Trump’s claim about voiding Biden’s pardons serves as a reminder of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of his political career. The assertion, though seemingly outrageous and unfounded, reflects the former president’s penchant for making bold, inflammatory statements without regard for their legal accuracy or practical feasibility. Legal experts and critics have already debunked his claim, pointing out that the U.S. Constitution offers no support for such a notion.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Trump’s comments will likely continue to provoke heated debate and controversy. However, for all the attention they generate, his latest claim about presidential pardon powers is little more than a reflection of his ongoing efforts to reframe the narrative surrounding his legal troubles and to galvanize his supporters.