Jan 30, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Kash Patel distances himself from Trump's Jan. 6 pardons

Stephen Neukam

Kash Patel, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. — Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, testifies Jan. 30 on Capitol Hill. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

FBI director nominee Kash Patel on Thursday split with President Trump over his blanket pardon of Jan. 6 rioters, telling lawmakers he rejects any violence against law enforcement.

Why it matters: The rebuke of the pardon is the most high-profile yet in MAGA world. Patel will need the support of both moderates and conservatives to be confirmed.

"I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement," Patel said at his Senate confirmation hearing.
Trump shocked Washington earlier this month when he granted roughly 1,500 pardons related to the attack, including to violent offenders.

Go deeper: What to know about Kash Patel, Trump's pick for FBI director

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Kash Patel distances himself from Trump's Jan. 6 pardons

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