Trump-picked judge takes unexpected stand on January 6 pardon promises
A federal judge picked by Trump speaks against possible mass-pardons of capitol riot defendants. The statement came during a hearing where trial got moved past next yearʼs inauguration
A trump-nominated federal judge Carl J Nichols made a strong-minded statement against possible mass-pardons for capitol riot suspects (which were promised by the ex-president for his potential second term): such actions would bring major disappointment.
Nichols‚ who got his position about 7 years ago and worked in Bush-era Justice Department before that‚ made these comments while dealing with a case involving riot suspect Edward Jake Lang. The judge felt he had no choice but to move the trial date — it will now happen after the next years inauguration
The hearing showed how pre-election promises affect real-world court schedules; its impact reaches far beyond simple legal procedures. The judge who usually keeps a low-profile made his thoughts clear about wholesale pardons for jan 6 events
A blanket pardon approach would be beyond frustrating and disappointing
