Andrade Calls Out Trump for Pardoning Convicted Criminals, not Cutting Costs for Families in House Resolution

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, formally condemned President Donald Trump’s pardon of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists. Rather than focusing on the cost of living challenges families face across the country, Trump used his first day in office to free more than 1,000 criminals who attacked law enforcement officers and tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power on one of the darkest days in American history.

“In my time advancing the interests of working families in Springfield, never have I had to say so clearly that convicted, confessed criminals who tried to overthrow the government should not be prioritized over making groceries, gas and electricity more affordable for everyday Americans. It is absolutely unacceptable that a president who campaigned on ‘concepts of a plan’ signs, on Day One, pardons for 1,500 insurrectionists. Here, in Illinois, I am making sure we focus on the people’s business: lower prescription drug costs, safer streets and more affordable rents and mortgages. These priorities are clearly not shared by the President, his inner circle of billionaires or those who defend them.”

The Andrade-backed House Resolution 118 laid out in clear language the violence, destruction and lethality of Trump’s insurrection, reminding House members and Illinoisans that this was the focus on President Trump’s Day One policies, not the soaring cost of groceries, gas, housing, utilities and the basic goods and services taxpayers need.

On Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionists became fired up on President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and were ordered to march towards the Capitol. President Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence oversaw the
routine proceedings in accordance with the peaceful transfer of power. Many attempted and succeeded in entering the building, climbing over fencing and injured and beaten police officers to get there. Immediately after being sworn in on Jan. 20, 2025, the President proceeded to fully pardon 1,500 insurrectionists, 1,030 of whom admitted their own guilt for their actions.