Bernie Sanders Urges Biden to Weigh Preemptive Pardons for Jan. 6 Committee Members

The Vermont senator warns against Trump's threats to jail critics, calling them authoritarian, while debate over pardons divides Democrats.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on President Joe Biden to seriously consider preemptive pardons for members of the January 6 House Select Committee, citing concerns over President-elect Donald Trump's threats to prosecute them.
Trump has described the committee's actions as criminal and suggested its members, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, should face jail time, prompting bipartisan criticism of his remarks as authoritarian.
Some Democrats, including Adam Schiff, have opposed preemptive pardons, arguing they could set a problematic precedent for future administrations.
Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has drawn criticism from both parties, with Sanders labeling it a potentially dangerous precedent while acknowledging Biden's intent to protect his family.
Trump has pledged to pardon January 6 rioters early in his presidency, a move that has sparked concerns about undermining accountability for the Capitol attack.