Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on President Trump Pardoning January 6th Criminals

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after President Trump granted pardons to more than 1,500 criminals convicted of a litany of crimes on January 6, 2021.

“January 6, 2021, was one of the darkest days in American history. As the world looked on and Americans witnessed with their own eyes, President Trump incited an insurrection in an effort to illegally extend his hold on the presidency and prevent the peaceful transfer of power. As a result of the chaos and violence that ensued, more than 100 police officers were injured, several died of their injuries, and the U.S. Capitol building was desecrated, with blood, feces, and other bodily fluids smeared within the halls of Congress. 

“As I reflect on the horrors of that day, it is deeply shocking, but not the least bit surprising, that one of the first actions taken by President Trump on his first day in office was not to help lower costs at the grocery store or combat America’s housing affordability crisis, but rather to provide a blanket pardon to more than 1,500 criminals that were convicted of a multitude of crimes on January 6, including those who assaulted the officers bravely defending our democracy.

“This deeply disgraceful action by the President will only further inflame divisions within the nation while reopening the wounds of that tragic day, ensuring each Capitol Police Officer and the families of those no longer with us must face those traumatic events once again. To those families, I am deeply sorry.”

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.