Democratic senator says it’s 'probably time' to look at pardon system

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Monday he's unsure whether “the extent of the pardons” granted by former President Biden was “necessary.”

Murphy told reporters that he has “real sympathy for the position that Trump has put Biden and his and his family [in].”

“There are real unique threats that are presented to the Biden family by Trump's obsession with targeting his political opponents.”

But he also said he thinks “it’s probably time for us to take a look at the way the pardon system is being used.”

“I have sympathy for President Biden, but I don't know that the extent of the pardons he granted was necessary, and I don't think any of us can be satisfied with the way that Trump or Biden used the pardon authority, one of the most extensive and sweeping executive powers that are available today.”

He added that he is “certainly open to a broader conversation about pardon reform."

Earlier on Monday, Biden announced blanket pardons for multiple members of his family, including his sister, two brothers and his sister-in-law.

Biden cited what he described as “unrelenting attacks and threats” against his family “motivated solely by a desire to hurt me” as part of the announcement. He also said the preemptive pardons should not be seen as acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

The move comes months after Biden drew criticism from both sides of the aisle for issuing a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who had previously been found guilty on charges related to his purchase and possession of a gun years ago.

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