South Middlesex Times

Rep. Frank Pallone, a long-serving member of the U.S. Congress representing New Jersey’s 6th district since 1988, has voiced his concerns on several political issues through social media posts in late January 2025. Pallone, who has a background in law and has been active in politics for decades, addressed topics ranging from criminal justice to LGBTQ rights.

On January 27, 2025, Rep. Pallone criticized former President Donald Trump for pardoning individuals whom he describes as "violent criminals." He expressed concern over the safety of law enforcement officers, stating that "law enforcement continue to face threats from the same violent criminals that Trump just pardoned and released onto the streets." Pallone accused Republicans of remaining silent while claiming to support law enforcement: "Republicans claim to back the blue, but they sit in silence as Trump betrays the brave police who put their lives on the line on January 6."

On January 28, 2025, Rep. Pallone addressed constitutional rights issues by emphasizing the importance of protecting same-sex marriage rights guaranteed by the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. He urged Congress to act against perceived attacks by Republicans on these rights: "We cannot allow Republicans to continue attacking Americans' constitutional rights, including the right to same-sex marriage which was guaranteed by the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges." He highlighted these actions as reminders for Congress to codify protections for LGBTQ individuals into law.

Later that day, Pallone criticized Trump's policy regarding transgender military service members. On January 28th at a later time he stated: "Trump is essentially banning transgender people from our military." He argued this order contradicts patriotic intentions and emphasized equality among servicemembers regardless of gender identity: "Transgender people should be held to the same mental and physical standards as every other servicemember."