Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., expressed disapproval of President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Graham described the pardons of over 1,500 individuals as a “mistake” that undermines the principles of law and order.

During the interview, Graham acknowledged Trump’s legal authority to issue the pardons but questioned the message it sends.

“Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently I think was a mistake, because it seems to suggest that’s an okay thing to do,” Graham said.

The pardons, which included members of far-right militias, have drawn criticism from various groups, including law enforcement organizations.

Graham emphasized that these groups opposed Trump’s decision, noting the broader implications for public safety and accountability.

“Law enforcement didn’t like this,” Graham stated. “But he said it during the campaign, he’s not tricking people. You know, Biden promised not to pardon his family; he did. Trump said, ‘I’m going to pardon these people.’ So the fact that he did it is no surprise.”

While Graham criticized the pardons, he acknowledged that Trump’s actions aligned with a campaign promise.

The South Carolina senator drew a parallel between Trump’s pardons and decisions made by President Joe Biden, suggesting that both instances could be viewed as controversial uses of presidential pardon power.

“But I’ll be consistent here. I don’t like the idea of bailing people out of jail or pardoning people who burn down cities and beat up cops, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat,” Graham added.

The senator also raised concerns about the potential for continued misuse of the pardon power.

Graham suggested that recent actions by both Trump and Biden might prompt Congress to reevaluate the scope of presidential pardon authority.

“I think most Americans, if this continues, to see this as an abuse of the pardon power, that we’ll revisit the pardon power of the president if this continues,” he said.

The pardons have reignited debate over the limits of presidential authority and the broader implications for justice and accountability.

Critics argue that pardoning individuals involved in the Jan. 6 attack undermines efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions, while supporters contend that Trump fulfilled a commitment to his base.

Graham’s remarks highlight a growing divide among Republicans over Trump’s post-presidency actions, particularly as he remains a prominent figure within the party.

While many GOP lawmakers continue to support Trump, others, like Graham, have expressed reservations about specific decisions, including the Jan. 6 pardons.

As discussions around the pardon power evolve, Congress may face calls to explore potential reforms.

For now, the issue remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, reflecting broader divisions over accountability and the rule of law.

No official statements from Trump’s office or representatives have addressed Graham’s criticism as of this publication.