Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a sharp rebuke Friday of President Trump’s mass pardons for January 6 defendants, arguing that those who committed violence against law enforcement or damaged government property should receive no financial benefit from the administration.
In an interview on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Pence was pressed by host Bill Maher about the Capitol rioters, including those who chanted for Pence’s hanging—a threat Trump reportedly reacted to with approval, according to the House January 6 committee.
“I had no problem with the president pardoning people who got caught up in that day,” Pence said. “But for anyone who assaulted a police officer, anybody that violated and vandalized the seat of our government and sought to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes, those people never should have been pardoned and they should never get a dime.”
Trump issued sweeping pardons on his first day back in office, covering defendants convicted of assaulting officers and other serious offenses. The White House has defended the move, citing what Trump calls unfair prosecution and a weaponized justice system.
Pence’s comments come as the Trump administration abandoned a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was part of a settlement in a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns. The fund drew bipartisan criticism amid fears it could funnel money to January 6 rioters. Two injured Capitol Police officers sued to block any payouts that might benefit violent participants.
The former vice president has consistently pushed back against efforts to downplay the events of January 6. “I’ve certainly seen evidence of that, particularly, I was offended on the anniversary of January 6 when the White House put out a timeline that literally blamed Capitol Hill police for the riot that took place that day,” he said.
Pence’s stance places him at odds with Trump and many in the GOP, as the party continues to grapple with the legacy of the Capitol attack. His remarks also highlight ongoing tensions within the Republican Party ahead of the midterms, as some GOP senators push back on Trump’s agenda amid budget fights.
