Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s recent comments signal that battles over President-elect Trump’s nominees and policies will continue well beyond the certification of the 2024 election.
Key Facts:
– Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the certification of the 2024 election results.
– Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the fight would not stop with certification.
– Blumenthal labeled Trump’s nominees “malignly motivated” and unqualified.
– Trump’s White House press secretary pick, Karoline Leavitt, responded that lawmakers should work together.
– Blumenthal voiced concerns over possible pardons for figures connected to January 6.
The Rest of The Story:
Tensions remain high as Trump prepares to assume office on January 20.
Sen. Blumenthal claims the Senate should remain cautious because, in his view, Trump has shown a willingness to pardon individuals tied to controversial events.
He also believes some of Trump’s proposed cabinet picks are not equipped for their roles.
Karoline Leavitt, speaking for the Trump team, dismissed Blumenthal’s claims.
She insisted that the administration plans to work with Congress to deliver on promises such as border security and improved economic conditions.
"Congress needs to immediately get to work to start drafting a big, beautiful bill that needs to make its way to President Trump's desk as soon as possible."
Incoming White House press secretary @karolineleavitt urges Congress to focus on a single bill addressing border… pic.twitter.com/qEH5D05Mcv
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 6, 2025
Meanwhile, pundits note that President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden last year became a talking point for Trump, who questioned whether political allies could receive similar leniency if he holds the presidency again.
Blumenthal’s remarks highlight ongoing disagreements over how to handle people convicted of crimes stemming from the unrest at the U.S. Capitol.
While he says granting pardons to such offenders would undermine the rule of law, Trump has argued some individuals deserve mercy.
At the same time, the senator’s stance indicates that multiple legislative battles could loom large, including the future makeup of the Supreme Court, the fate of immigration reform, and the direction of national security policies.
Now that the Electoral Count is done we can move on? No. Not with Trump planning blanket pardons. Not with dangerously unqualified, malignly motivated Trump nominees. Not with Trump normalizing election denial. The fight is just beginning.
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) January 7, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Blumenthal’s public challenge sets the stage for clashes in the Senate over Trump’s nominees and any future pardons.
Trump’s team shows no intention of backing down, signaling that both sides expect a tough road ahead.
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Ultimately, the public will be watching to see whether cooperation or conflict becomes the hallmark of how Democrats deal with the new Trump administration.