Staff Reports
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has put on a spectacular display by denouncing former President Trump’s recent decision to pardon individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Apparently, for Murkowski, it is more important to maintain her image as the “good Republican” than to stand with a former president who has millions of loyal supporters. During an impassioned post on social media, she took a moment to praise the Capitol Police officers as the “backbone of Congress,” because nothing says “I care” quite like some late-in-the-game virtue signaling.
The pardons granted by Trump have been met with mixed reviews, to say the least. While his supporters have rushed to label the defendants as mere political “hostages,” some Republican leaders appear to be sporting a newfound moral compass. For instance, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis expressed discomfort with the pardons. One wonders how many more of his fellow party members are searching for a way to walk the tightrope of public opinion while trying to stay on the “right” side of history.
Murkowski’s condemnation came hot on the heels of her disapproval of Trump’s previous action regarding the naming of Mount Denali, which she firmly insists should not only continue bearing its rightful name but be recognized for its historical significance. It seems that she either does not grasp or refuses to acknowledge that the essence of America emanates from the principles of freedom and self-determination, including the freedom to stand by one’s choices, even if they might not sit well with the political elite.
Lisa Murkowski, other Republicans take issue with Trump’s Jan. 6 blanket pardonshttps://t.co/EkTDzcic3h pic.twitter.com/JSYrnb8UkG
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 23, 2025
Not too long ago, Murkowski prided herself on being an independent voice in the Republican Party. This is the same senator who has backed abortion rights and stood against the repeal of Obamacare. With such a complicated and contradictory record, one has to wonder whether she truly represents Republican values or if she is simply carving out a niche for herself in the landscape of bi-partisan bewilderment.
While the GOP establishment seems keen on moving forward, signals from the grassroots indicate they want to remember the insurrection differently. Instead of vilifying those who took a stand – albeit a chaotic one – against perceived electoral fraud, many conservative Americans are inclined to question the motives behind the harsh critiques of Trump’s pardons. After all, a little bit of support for the rank-and-file might go a long way in mending the rifts within the party, rather than merely pining for the approval of the mainstream media with predictable statements.
