Pamela Hemphill, a 71-year-old former Trump supporter and participant in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has refused a pardon issued by newly inaugurated President Donald Trump to over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the insurrection.
The retired substance abuse counselor from Idaho, once known as the “MAGA Granny,” has since become a vocal critic of Trump and the events of Jan. 6.
Hemphill, who previously described herself as under the influence of “the Trump cult,” expressed her rejection of the pardon in strong terms. “Accepting the pardon would be an insult to the Capitol Police officers, to the rule of law, to our nation,” she told the Idaho Statesman. In an interview with The New York Times, she added, “Taking the pardon would mean endorsing their propaganda, their gaslighting, and all their falsehoods about Jan. 6.”
Hemphill’s transformation from loyal Trump supporter to outspoken critic began after her conviction for participating in the Capitol riot. Reflecting on her past, she told The Daily Beast last year, “You don’t see it as a cult when you’re in it. You don’t recognize it.”
On social media, Hemphill has consistently denounced Trump and his followers. Shortly after reports emerged of Trump’s sweeping pardons, she posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I will refuse a pardon from felon Trump! I’m not going to be bullied by MAGA anymore.” Her post referenced instances where MAGA supporters allegedly tried to intimidate her, even contacting her probation officer in an attempt to silence her.
Hours after taking the oath of office, Trump issued a “complete and unconditional pardon” to around 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol attack. The decision has drawn widespread criticism, including from within Trump’s own party.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Republican, voiced her concerns to CNN: “I do fear the message this sends to the brave men and women who defended the Capitol and our democracy that day.”
The Capitol riot resulted in five deaths, including a police officer, with four additional officers dying by suicide in the aftermath. The violence and its consequences have left a deep scar on the nation.
Hemphill’s rejection of the pardon serves as a broader critique of efforts to rewrite the history of Jan. 6. “We have to stand for the truth,” she said. “Accepting this pardon would mean I’m complicit in their lies. I can’t do that to my country.”
Her transformation from participant to critic underscores the deep divides and evolving narratives surrounding the Capitol riot. For Hemphill, the journey has been one of reckoning and redemption. As she continues to speak out, she’s become a symbol of accountability in an era of political polarization.
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I’m sorry you feel that way! It seems that they sold you a bad case of lies! What they have done is wrong period! They did nothing to all the real rioting around the country! You of all people should know better!!!
That lady has been reading and believing LameStreamMisleadia FAKE NEWS LIARS including NextGen! Only two people died on Jan. 6th, no cops, both innocent unarmed peaceful women, one a war hero! Both murdered by cops who weren’t prosecuted in the slightest, but must be now!
Thank you for your strength and courage. You are a hero to all of those who fought against the insurrection. You w
Jan 6th was a peaceful protest, only cops murdered people!
She really got an overdose of the koolaid with an extra helping of gaslighting!
Sevrral people died at the Capitol on Jan 6th, but none were cops. There were several heart attacks, a death porbably by suffocation from the gas that was used, and then there wss the murder of Ashli Babbett by a Capitol cop. Your account implies that the cop who died a couple of days later died at the Capitol. Crappy reporting.
NextGen = WOKE dishonest reporting R us…
Why did you accept the freedom of getting out of jail sounds a little two faced