WASHINGTON − On Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, expressed his belief that President Donald Trump made a “mistake” by granting pardons to individuals who were violent towards law enforcement during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.

Following his inauguration, Trump issued nearly 1,600 pardons to those charged in connection with January 6, an action that sparked backlash from police officers who defended the Capitol, as well as their families and some members of Congress, including some from Trump’s own party.

Graham expressed concern that although Trump holds the legal right to issue pardons, it could potentially incite “more violence” in the nation.

“Pardoning those who assaulted police officers at the Capitol sends the wrong message and can imply that such actions are acceptable,” Graham stated during an appearance on “Meet the Press” with host Kristen Welker.

This isn’t the first time Graham has diverged from Trump’s views publicly, even though he remains one of the former president’s most ardent supporters.

In addition to his critiques of fellow Republicans, Graham also took a jab at former President Joe Biden for pardoning family members, including his brother James, just before leaving office. Biden indicated that he was concerned about politically motivated investigations targeting his relatives.

“Biden pardoned nearly his entire family on his way out. A significant number of Americans may view this as misusing the pardon system. As for pardoning violent offenders who assaulted police, I see that as a misstep,” Graham commented.

Graham raises doubts about Trump’s mass deportation strategy

During the same segment, Graham also questioned whether Trump’s proposed mass deportation of 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. would be feasible.

“I’m uncertain that it’s practical to deport 11 million people,” Graham mentioned, also expressing skepticism about whether Congress has allocated sufficient resources for such an extensive operation. Mass deportation was a key theme in Trump’s campaign for reelection.

“We can discuss these plans, but without the necessary resources, these discussions don’t lead to action,” Graham emphasized. Tom Homan, who served as Trump’s “border czar,” shared during an interview that aired Sunday that the feasibility of a large-scale deportation hinges on Congressional support.

Trump had previously downplayed the financial implications of his mass deportation proposal in a November NBC News interview.

According to the nonpartisan American Immigration Council, deporting 1 million individuals each year could cost upwards of $88 billion annually, necessitating a significant increase in law enforcement personnel, detention facilities, immigration courtrooms, and flight capacities.

Welker also pressed Graham on Trump’s controversial choice to dismiss over a dozen inspectors general from various agencies, pointing out that federal law mandates a 30-day notice to Congress before such actions can be taken.

Inspectors general serve as independent watchdogs responsible for investigating and reporting on mismanagement, fraud, and abuse within those agencies.

When asked if Trump had breached the law, Graham conceded that he had, but noted that Trump holds substantial authority in such matters.

“Technically, he may be in violation. However, I’m not particularly worried about him wanting to change personnel. My priority is ensuring he has a strong start, and I believe he has,” Graham concluded.

Contributing: Reuters, Bart Jansen, and Riley Beggin, YSL News