‘Presidential Endorsement of Racism’: Trump Faces Bipartisan Condemnation for Joe Arpaio Pardon
“With His Pardon Pen, POTUS Reveals His Own Contempt For Our Constitutionâ€
Under the cover of a hurricane and from the safety of Camp David, the Trump administration announced late Friday night that the president had issued his first pardon: to Joe Arpaio.
Unsurprisingly, Trump echoed his administration’s explanation of the pardon on Twitter, noting that he was pleased to inform the world he’d issued his first pardon:
I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017
Arpaio, a hero to neo-Nazis, early endorser of Donald Trump and a former sheriff who had been convicted of criminal contempt of court for defying an order to stop racially profiling Latinos in Arizona, expressed his gratitude last night:
I am humbled and incredibly grateful to President Trump. I look fwd to putting this chapter behind me and helping to #MAGA
— Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) August 26, 2017
But the president’s decision was not met with praise by many, from both sides of the aisle. Some reactions, via Twitter, below.
Senator John McCain of Arizona:
.@POTUS‘s pardon of Joe Arpaio, who illegally profiled Latinos, undermines his claim for the respect of rule of law https://t.co/2FckGtwQ2m
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) August 26, 2017
California’s Maxine Waters, a frequent critic of Trump’s:
I’m not surprised Trump pardoned racial profiler Arpaio. White Nationalists, KKK, & Duke celebrated Trump’s election b/c he is one of them!
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) August 26, 2017
GOP Political Analyst Steve Schmidt:
The Arpaio pardon is an assault on the rule of law . It is a disgraceful act.
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) August 26, 2017
Arizona Mayor Greg Stanton:
Phoenix, AZ Mayor Greg Stanton: “This is not a proud day for Phoenix.” pic.twitter.com/Wcm1cQ0c3A
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 26, 2017
Former Ethics Director Walter Shaub:
This pardon also departs from procedural norms. And as an affirmative act by POTUS, it reveals an emboldening. A harbinger of worse to come.
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 26, 2017
https://t.co/DlI18hEfhu pic.twitter.com/rJGPimjAbA
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 26, 2017
The ACLU:
President Trump’s pardon of Joe Arpaio is a presidential endorsement of racism. https://t.co/czMtATWWDn
— ACLU National (@ACLU) August 26, 2017
Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates:
With his pardon pen, POTUS reveals his own contempt for our Constitution, our courts, and our founding principles of equality and justice.
— Sally Yates (@SallyQYates) August 26, 2017
Senator Chuck Schumer:
Instead of seeking to unify the country as promised, @POTUS has doubled down on encouraging white supremacists post-Charlottesville.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2017
Joe Arpaio ignored the courts and the rule of law in order to systematically target Latinos in AZ. The definition of racism and bigotry.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2017
 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi:
.@POTUS pardon of fellow birther Arpaio makes mockery of rule of law, & says communities of color can be targeted & abused w/ total impunity
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) August 26, 2017
To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.
Â
Photo via Twitter
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.