In a recent interview with MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney expressed his belief that if he were President Joe Biden, he would have immediately pardoned former President Donald Trump. Romney explained that he would have pardoned Trump to position himself as the bigger person and to show that the person he pardoned was the smaller one. This statement comes as Trump faces 88 charges over four criminal indictments in various states, including federal cases prosecuted by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Romney criticized both Biden’s handling of the federal cases against Trump and Trump’s attacks on the courts. He also called out Republicans who are trying to gain favor with the former president as he faces legal challenges. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Biden has weaponized the Justice Department against him and has attacked the judges overseeing his cases. Romney emphasized the importance of respecting the legal system and criticized those who undermine it through their actions and statements.
Allies of Trump, including politicians like North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, have shown support for the former president by attending his court appearances. Romney condemned this behavior, calling it demeaning and insincere, particularly when individuals attempt to use their support as a way to boost their own political ambitions. These allies have also joined Trump in criticizing individuals involved in the ongoing hush money trial in Manhattan, despite a gag order issued by the judge preventing Trump from speaking about the case.
Romney has a history of speaking out against Trump and his actions, often standing apart from his Republican colleagues. He was the first senator in US history to vote to remove a president from his own party from office during Trump’s first impeachment trial. Romney also voted to convict Trump of inciting an insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6 during the former president’s second impeachment trial. Despite being the Republican Party nominee in the 2012 presidential race against Barack Obama, Romney has made it clear that he did not vote for Trump in 2020 and will not support him in the 2024 election.
At 77 years old, Romney has established himself as a lawmaker willing to challenge his own party and take a stand against actions he views as harmful to the country. Known for his distinctive voice in the Senate, Romney announced last year that he would not seek reelection to his seat. His criticisms of Trump and his continued independence from the former president illustrate his commitment to upholding his principles and values, even in the face of political pressure. CNN’s Clare Foran and Morgan Rimmer contributed to reporting on this topic.
