J6 Protesters Pardoned By Trump BANNED By Illinois Governor

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has taken a firm stance against hiring pardoned Capitol rioters, sparking debate over the limits of presidential pardons and state autonomy.

He doesn’t want them to be treated like human beings.

At a Glance

  • Governor Pritzker directs state agencies to avoid employing pardoned January 6 rioters
  • The order counters President Trump’s pardons for over 1,500 individuals
  • Pritzker cites “infamous and disgraceful conduct” as grounds for employment disqualification
  • Legal challenges to the directive are anticipated but believed to have a strong legal basis
  • The move reflects Illinois’ commitment to public safety and principled leadership

Pritzker’s Directive Challenges Trump’s Pardons

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has issued a directive to state agencies, instructing them to refrain from hiring individuals pardoned for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. This move comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent pardons and commutations for over 1,500 people associated with the events of that day.

The Governor’s order, sent to the Department of Central Management Services, emphasizes that participation in the Capitol attack constitutes “infamous and disgraceful conduct” under Illinois law. This designation aligns with the state’s legal standards and underscores the importance of integrity in public service.

Pritzker’s decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of Illinois’ state workforce – or, at least, that’s what he says. The Governor has been vocal about his belief that those involved in the events of January 6 should not hold positions within the government they allegedly sought to undermine.

“These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy. Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers. No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government,” Pritzker said.

This stance aligns with Pritzker’s previous opposition to certain Trump administration actions, including a federal aid freeze that was later rescinded by the White House after judicial intervention.

The problem? His rule doesn’t just stop them from having a say in government, but bans them from any jobs at all that are paid for by the state.

Legal Implications and Anticipated Challenges

While legal challenges to Pritzker’s directive are expected, experts believe it has a strong legal foundation through the state’s personnel code. The governor’s office maintains that the directive is within the state’s authority to set employment standards.

“The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority. In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors,” Pritzker stated.

The directive potentially affects over 50 Illinois residents, including some still facing prosecution. It covers individuals from groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, some of whom were convicted of seditious conspiracy.

This conflict between state-level actions and presidential pardons highlights ongoing tensions in the aftermath of the January 6 events. While proponents of the pardons argue that some nonviolent offenders were excessively punished, critics, including Governor Pritzker, contend that pardoning those involved undermines democratic principles and public safety.

“If they were non-violent, I think they’ve been greatly punished. They’ve suffered greatly, and in many cases, they should not have suffered,” Trump said about the protesters.