Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) told CNN on Thursday that he would accept a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden to protect members of the January 6 House Select Committee from potential political retribution.
Thompson, who chaired the eight-member Democrat-influenced committee investigating President-elect Donald Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, insisted that neither he nor the other committee members had done anything improper.
In light of Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that committee members belong behind bars, CNN’s Jim Acosta asked Thompson if he would accept a pardon.
“Trump is saying you should go to jail,” Acosta said. “Are you worried about him or the FBI coming after you?”
Well, you know, we are members of Congress. We operate based on our direction from Congress. There are specific laws that give security to members of Congress. I hope the president would take that into consideration. But to be honest with you, Jim, we’ve not done anything wrong,” he claimed.
Acosta indicated that the Biden administration was discussing potentially issuing broad pardons for individuals that Trump might seek to target, though the president-elect has repeatedly said he’s not interested in doing that.
“Apparently, the White House is discussing preemptive pardons for people who may be targeted by Trump when he gets back in office,” Acosta said. “Do you want the president to offer some kind of pardon to you?”
The president, it’s his prerogative. If he offers it, to me or other members of the committee, I think it – I would accept it, but it’s his choice,” the Mississippi Democrat responded.
“I think the staff of the committee who did a wonderful job; I think the witnesses who were primarily Republicans did a great job under oath. They or we were not found to have perjured themselves or anything like that. There is nothing on the record that is not on point,” he said.
Thompson added: “We’ve had two years of review by Republican chairpersons, and they found nothing wrong.”
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) recently spoke out about the possibility of preemptive pardons for members of the January 6 House Select Committee amid concerns about political retaliation. In an interview with CNN’s Jim Acosta, Thompson, who chaired the committee investigating former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, addressed the issue directly.
Defending the Committee’s Integrity
Thompson emphasized that neither he nor his fellow committee members had engaged in any improper conduct. He stated, “We are members of Congress. We operate based on our direction from Congress. There are specific laws that give security to members of Congress. I hope the president would take that into consideration. But to be honest with you, Jim, we’ve not done anything wrong.”
The committee, composed of a majority of Democrats along with two Republican members, played a central role in investigating the events of January 6, holding high-profile hearings and issuing a comprehensive report. Thompson underscored the bipartisan credibility of the committee’s work, highlighting that many witnesses were Republicans who testified under oath.
Biden Administration's Response
When asked about reports that the Biden administration might consider issuing preemptive pardons to shield individuals targeted by Trump, Thompson expressed his willingness to accept such a pardon if offered. “The president, it’s his prerogative. If he offers it, to me or other members of the committee, I think it – I would accept it, but it’s his choice,” he said.
Thompson also praised the committee staff and witnesses for their professionalism and integrity, noting that no one involved in the investigation had been found to have committed perjury or acted improperly. “There is nothing on the record that is not on point,” he added.
Context of Trump’s Comments
Thompson’s remarks come in the wake of statements by Trump suggesting that members of the January 6 committee belong “behind bars.” These comments have raised concerns about potential political retribution if Trump were to regain power. However, Thompson dismissed these threats, pointing out that the committee’s work has undergone extensive review, including by Republican-led efforts, without any findings of wrongdoing.
Broader Implications
The discussion around preemptive pardons highlights the polarized political climate in the United States. While President Biden has previously indicated he is not interested in pursuing politically motivated pardons, the issue underscores the tension surrounding accountability and retribution in the aftermath of the Capitol riots.
As debates over January 6 and its fallout continue, Thompson’s comments reflect a firm belief in the integrity of the committee’s work and a cautious openness to measures that might protect those involved from potential political targeting.
