“It Cannot Whitewash Blood”: Judge Slams Trump Pardons

On Wednesday, three federal judge strongly condemned former President Donald Trump’s pardons for supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol to overturn the 2020 election results. The pardons, issued shortly after Trump returned to office, faced widespread criticism for undermining accountability for the violence on January 6, 2021.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed charges against a Capitol riot defendant, stating, “No pardon can erase the tragic reality of January 6, 2021.” She added, “It cannot cleanse the blood, filth, and terror left behind by the mob.” Chutkan emphasized that it could not heal the deep wound to America’s tradition of peaceful power transitions. Her comments highlighted broader concerns about the pardons’ effect on democracy and the rule of law.

Just hours after taking office on Monday, Trump pardoned over 1,500 supporters involved in the Capitol attack to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory. His pardons also included commuting the sentences of 14 members of the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers militia. These actions received widespread criticism due to the groups’ involvement in the attack.

Judges Condemn Trump’s Pardons for Capitol Rioters

The criminal case against Trump, overseen by special counsel Jack Smith, accused him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. District Judge Tanya Chutkan presided over the proceedings.

The case against Trump was dismissed after his November election win, in line with the Justice Department’s policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. On Wednesday, two Washington judges handling Capitol riot cases also dismissed charges while strongly criticizing the pardons.

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District Judge Beryl Howell rejected the Trump White House’s claim of a “grave national injustice” as a basis for dismissing charges against two defendants. She clarified that no such injustice occurred and reiterated that there was no election fraud in 2020. Howell stressed that “poor losers” must not be allowed to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power without consequences. She warned that tolerating such behavior could encourage future lawlessness and undermine the rule of law.

Trump’s presidency ended under the shadow of the Capitol attack, which he repeatedly downplayed as a “day of love.” During the assault, over 140 police officers were injured in clashes with rioters armed with flagpoles, bats, hockey sticks, Tasers, bear spray, and other makeshift weapons.

During his campaign, Trump promised to pardon Capitol attack participants, calling them “patriots” and “political prisoners.” The assault occurred after a fiery speech near the White House, where Trump repeated false claims of winning the 2020 election.

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