JD Vance walks back Trump’s pledge to pardon January 6 protesters on day one – US politics live

Key Takeaways:

• JD Vance retracts support for blanket pardons of January 6 protesters.
• Vance believes only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, not those who committed violence.
• Trump had promised to pardon all individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection on his first day in office.
• Surveys show blanket pardons are unpopular with the American public.
• Confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees begin this week.

Vance Distances Himself from Trump’s Pardon Pledge

With one week remaining until President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, incoming Vice-President JD Vance has signaled a departure from Trump’s promise to issue blanket pardons to those convicted or accused of crimes related to the January 6 insurrection.

In a recent interview on Fox News, Vance clarified his stance, stating, “If you protested peacefully on January 6th … you should be pardoned. If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned, and there’s a little bit of a gray area there, but we’re very much committed to seeing the equal administration of law.”

Trump’s Original Promise

Throughout his campaign, Trump vowed to act decisively on his first day in office. Among his promises was the controversial pledge to pardon all individuals involved in the January 6 events, a move that many critics saw as undermining the justice system’s efforts to hold offenders accountable.

“We’re one week out from Donald Trump’s inauguration as president,” the original report stated, highlighting the urgency and significance of this policy stance as the administration prepares to assume power.

Public Opinion Opposes Blanket Pardons

The proposed blanket pardons have not been well-received by the public. “The few surveys done of the issue have indicated that a blanket pardon would be unpopular with Americans,” the report notes. This public sentiment may have influenced Vance’s decision to advocate for a more measured approach.

Implications for the Incoming Administration

Vance’s comments suggest potential policy shifts within the new administration and possibly foreshadow internal debates over how to handle the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection. The distinction between peaceful protesters and violent offenders indicates an attempt to balance calls for unity with the need for accountability.

Confirmation Hearings Begin

As Trump and Vance prepare to take office, confirmation hearings for their cabinet nominees are set to begin this week, with the first scheduled for Tuesday. Some nominees, such as Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, are expected to face smooth confirmations, while others may encounter significant opposition from Democrats.

Biden’s Final Week and Farewell Speech

Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden is making the most of his final week in office. He is slated to deliver a speech at 2 p.m. ET from the State Department, focusing on his foreign policy legacy. This address marks one of his last official acts before the transition of power.

Wildfires Continue to Threaten Los Angeles

Outside the political sphere, Los Angeles firefighters are battling ongoing wildfires in and around the city. There are rising concerns that another bout of gusty and hot weather could exacerbate the situation, leading to more outbreaks.

As the nation anticipates the upcoming inauguration, these developments reflect the complex challenges and conversations facing the new administration. JD Vance’s recent statements may signal a shift towards a more nuanced approach in addressing the contentious issues surrounding the events of January 6.