‘It’s what dictatorship is all about’: Bernie Sanders Urges Biden to Consider Pardons for Jan. 6 Committee Members

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) believes President Joe Biden should “very seriously” consider preemptively pardoning members of the Jan. 6 committee ahead of a potential second Trump administration. Sanders’ remarks come as Donald Trump has made it clear that targeting the committee members who investigated the 2021 Capitol insurrection could be part of his agenda if he returns to office.

Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Sanders was asked by moderator Kristen Welker about the possibility of Biden issuing preemptive pardons to protect the bipartisan House select committee members. Sanders didn’t mince words, stating, “Well, I think he might want to consider that very seriously.”

Sanders elaborated on his concerns, warning, “This is what authoritarianism is all about. It’s what dictatorship is all about. You do not arrest elected officials who disagree with you, who undertake an investigation.”

The Vermont senator’s comments follow reports earlier this month that the White House was exploring the idea of issuing pardons to Trump’s potential targets. However, the idea has sparked mixed reactions among Democrats. Some have expressed reluctance, fearing it could escalate political tensions.

Trump has repeatedly signaled that his second term would focus on revenge against his political adversaries. During a previous interview with Kristen Welker, Trump specifically called for members of the Jan. 6 committee to be jailed, including chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and vice chairwoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).

“Cheney did something that’s inexcusable, along with [Chairman Bennie] Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps. … Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump declared.

Cheney quickly fired back, denouncing Trump’s threats as further proof of his disregard for the rule of law. In a strongly worded statement, Cheney said, “Donald Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election and seize power. He mobilized an angry mob and sent them to the United States Capitol, where they attacked police officers, invaded the building, and halted the official counting of electoral votes.”

She added, “Donald Trump’s suggestion that members of Congress who later investigated his illegal and unconstitutional actions should be jailed is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.”

The Jan. 6 committee, formed to investigate the insurrection, included key figures like Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.). It also featured Republicans like former Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), both of whom faced significant backlash from within their party for their roles.

Trump’s rhetoric and threats have underscored concerns that his return to power could bring unprecedented political retaliation. Sanders’s call for preemptive pardons reflects a growing unease among Democrats over what a second Trump presidency could mean for political accountability and the rule of law.

As Trump continues to stoke the flames of political division, Sanders’ warning serves as a stark reminder of the stakes. For now, the question remains whether Biden will heed calls to act preemptively or wait to see how events unfold. “This is what dictatorship is all about,” Sanders stressed—a chilling prediction of what may lie ahead.