Carl LeVan, a professor of comparative and regional studies, has expressed concerns about the implications of US President Donald Trump’s recent pardon of Capitol riot protesters.
After his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued a blanket pardon for protesters serving terms in prison for their roles in the January 6, 2021, riots that sought to overturn former President Joe Biden’s victory in the elections.
During his campaigns, Trump promised to pardon the incarcerated protesters.
LeVan, speaking on the Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, expressed worries about the direction of governance in the US under Trump
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The university don argued that the pardon has not only undermined the position of the US as a global proponent of democracy but also set a troubling precedent for governance norms worldwide.
“I am deeply concerned about what the pardons and grants of clemency mean for those who were jailed for participating in the assault on the Capitol,” said LeVan, who chairs politics, governance, and economics at the School of International Service, American University, Washington DC.
The professor added that such actions could weaken the credibility of democratic institutions and signal a dangerous shift in how justice is administered in the US.
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LeVan urged the US and African nations to critically evaluate the implications of Trump’s policies.
He emphasised the need for Africa to assert its priorities in global trade, climate action, and security partnerships.
He also called for a recommitment of the US government to democratic values and governance norms that inspire confidence worldwide.
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