Democratic convention live updates: Luminaries to speak on second night; Trump attacks Obama, Kasich, Cuomo
August 18, 2020 at 9:44 AM EDT
Trump to pardon Susan B. Anthony
Trump announced Tuesday that he would issue “a full and complete pardon” for Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the 19th-century women’s rights movement, who was found guilty by a New York jury of having illegally voted in the Nov. 5, 1872, presidential election.
“She was never pardoned. Did you know that? … What took so long?” Trump said at a White House event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women in the United States the constitutional right to vote.
On Monday, Trump had teased that he would be pardoning someone “very, very important,” but he did not elaborate.
Some Democratic women Tuesday sharply criticized the president’s move, noting that Anthony had been proud of her arrest.
“As highest ranking woman elected official in New York and on behalf of Susan B. Anthony’s legacy we demand Trump rescind his pardon,” New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said in a tweet. “She was proud of her arrest to draw attention to the cause for women’s rights, and never paid her fine. Let her Rest In Peace, @realDonaldTrump.”
Jennifer Palmieri, who was White House communications director from 2013 to 2015, sounded a similar note.
“Susan B Anthony’s WHOLE point was to get arrested. She wanted that conviction,” tweeted Palmieri, who was also communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.
By John Wagner and Felicia Sonmez
