Former Vice President Mike Pence said that individuals who committed violence during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol should not be pardoned or receive financial compensation, renewing debate over how those involved in the riot should be treated under the law.
Remarks
Pence made the comments during an interview on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, where he was asked about the actions and intent of rioters who stormed the Capitol during the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
While Pence said he had no objection to pardons for people who were “caught up” in the events of that day, he drew a clear distinction for those who engaged in violence or property destruction.
“But for anyone who assaulted a police officer, anybody that violated and vandalized the seat of our government and sought to disrupt the counting of electoral college votes, those people never should have been pardoned and they should never get a dime,” Pence said.
Pardons
On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump issued broad pardons to individuals charged or convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, including some who were found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers.
The administration has argued that the prosecutions were overly aggressive and that many defendants were treated unfairly by the justice system.
The pardons have remained a point of political division, particularly regarding those convicted of violent offenses during the riot.
Compensation Debate
The discussion also comes amid controversy surrounding a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund tied to a settlement involving the IRS and a lawsuit over the leak of Trump’s tax returns.
The fund was intended to compensate individuals who believed they had been unfairly targeted by federal agencies, but critics raised concerns that it could be used to benefit Jan. 6 defendants, including those convicted of violence.
The Trump administration has since abandoned plans for the fund following bipartisan criticism and legal challenges.
Pence on Jan. 6 Narrative
Pence has repeatedly spoken out against efforts he believes attempt to reframe or soften the events of Jan. 6.
He criticized a White House timeline released on a recent anniversary of the attack, saying it incorrectly shifted blame onto Capitol Police.
“I was offended on the anniversary of January 6 when the White House put out a timeline that literally blamed Capitol Hill police for the riot that took place that day,” Pence said.
Ongoing Debate
The comments highlight continuing political disagreement over how to classify and respond to the actions of Jan. 6 participants, particularly those convicted of violent offenses versus non-violent trespassing or protest-related charges.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Mike Pence |
| Interview | HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher |
| Topic | Jan. 6 pardons and compensation |
| Key stance | No pardons or payouts for violent offenders |
| Event referenced | Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack |
| Trump action | Broad pardons issued in second term |
The issue remains a focal point in broader debates over accountability, political violence, and the limits of executive clemency in the aftermath of the Capitol attack.
FAQs
What did Mike Pence say about Jan. 6 rioters?
He said violent offenders should not be pardoned or paid.
Where did he make the comments?
On HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher.
What did Trump do regarding Jan. 6 defendants?
Issued broad pardons in his second term.
What is the $1.776 billion fund?
A proposed compensation fund tied to an IRS settlement.
What is Pence’s position overall?
He supports accountability for violent actions on Jan. 6.
Pence Says Violent Jan. 6 Rioters Pardoned by Trump ‘Should Never Get a Dime’ in New Interview