Trump’s executive actions included both nonviolent and violent protesters, some of who are serving their terms in prison now. The actions have disappointed numerous GOP senators who had hoped the commutations and pardons would be directed at only nonviolent offenders who broke into the Capitol that day. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) was straightforward, saying, “I just can’t agree.” Tillis added that the executive action “raises legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.”
Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) specifically objected to Trump’s blanket pardons. Cassidy told CNN: “I’m a big ‘back-the-blue’ guy. I think people who assault police officers — if they do the crime, they should do the time.”