California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff is grappling with whether to accept a pardon issued by President Joe Biden for all individuals involved in the Congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot, including himself. This decision comes in the wake of potential political ramifications and a longstanding position held by Schiff, where he had previously been critical of accepting pardons as an implicit admission of guilt.
In a recent interview with NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Schiff discussed the complex situation following the issuance of the pardon, acknowledging the potential “blowback” from the decision to accept such a gesture. When asked by NBC’s Kristen Welker about the consequences of accepting a pardon, Schiff expressed his concerns, reflecting on his past comments about pardons when President Donald Trump was in office.
“I’ve always said that accepting a pardon could be viewed as an admission of guilt,” Schiff explained. “This is something I had voiced in opposition when Trump was in power. I think the same standard should apply now. If you accept a pardon, there’s a perception that you’ve done something wrong — something I strongly oppose.”
President Biden issued pardons to the members of the House Select Committee investigating the events surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. The move followed comments from former President Donald Trump, who had threatened legal action against those involved in the investigation, even suggesting that the entire committee should face jail time. In this context, the pardon can be seen as a safeguard against any potential repercussions for those who participated in the inquiry.
Despite the high-profile nature of the investigation and the political fallout of the January 6th riot, Schiff was not the only individual to receive a pardon. Members of the committee, including Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), and others, were granted similar clemency as part of the blanket pardon.
However, Schiff’s reluctance to accept the pardon stems from his vocal opposition to any notion of guilt. When asked by Welker whether he would accept the pardon or explore other legal avenues, Schiff responded cautiously, “We’re looking at it. I’m not sure there’s much to be done given that it went to the whole committee. This is also, I think, unprecedented.”
The pardon has generated substantial debate, not only because of the involvement of Schiff, but also due to the unusual nature of the circumstances surrounding the January 6th investigation. Critics of Trump’s actions during the Capitol riot believe that this unprecedented attack on democracy was a major turning point for the U.S. government’s relationship with power. Trump’s efforts to undermine the committee’s work, coupled with his inflammatory rhetoric, left the committee vulnerable to legal action.
“I think what we’re seeing now is something unprecedented,” Schiff continued. “This is a result of President Trump’s wrongful threats to go after those who were overseeing a legitimate committee process. The president’s words in this case were meant to intimidate the committee’s work, which was essential for exposing the truth of the events surrounding January 6th.”
Despite the complexities surrounding the pardon, Schiff is unsure whether legal recourse exists to reject the pardon on an individual basis. His comments suggest that he and other committee members will have to consult collectively to determine the next course of action.
“What does that mean, you’re going to ‘look at it’?” Welker asked, seeking further clarity on the matter. Schiff’s response indicated that the decision would likely be a group one. “It means we’ll have to look at it as a committee to see if there’s anything to be done. It may require a collective decision, considering the unprecedented nature of the pardon and the political implications at play.”
While the issue of pardons typically revolves around individuals who have been convicted or under investigation for crimes, the nature of this situation is different. The committee members were not directly implicated in any wrongdoing related to the Capitol riot itself, but were rather conducting a formal investigation into the events. Biden’s pardon is likely meant to protect those involved from any potential retaliatory legal action.
For Schiff, who served as the vice chair of the committee and was a key figure in investigating the events of January 6, the situation is particularly delicate. His reputation as a staunch critic of Trump and defender of democracy hangs in the balance as he considers the consequences of accepting the pardon.
The decision will have far-reaching political ramifications, not only for Schiff and the other committee members, but also for President Biden. The pardon, while meant to shield those involved from potential harm, could become a point of contention within the broader political landscape. The potential for backlash from conservative opponents, especially those who viewed the January 6th investigation as politically motivated, may further complicate Schiff’s decision.
As of now, Schiff is still mulling his options, weighing the political and legal ramifications of the pardon. It remains unclear whether he and his colleagues will take any action to reject or challenge the pardon, but one thing is certain: the issue will continue to fuel debate about the nature of accountability, justice, and political power in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection.
