Sen. Ron Wyden Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenGOP set to release controversial Biden report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate GOP senator blocks Schumer resolution aimed at Biden probe as tensions run high MORE (D-Ore.) on Saturday called President Trump's pardon of controversial former Sheriff Joe Arpaio a violation of the president's oath of office.

"The Arpaio pardon says, if you are a law-enforcement official who supports Trump, break the law & he'll protect you," Wyden wrote in a tweet.

"This strikes at the heart of rule of law in America. It violates his oath of office," he added.

This strikes at the heart of the rule of law in America. It violates his oath of office. — Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) August 26, 2017

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Most Democrats and civil rights organizations have argued that Trump was within his right to pardon Arpaio while blasting his decision to pardon the controversial former sheriff.

Arpaio, 85, the former sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., was pardoned Friday after being convicted of criminal contempt for disobeying a judge's order to stop racially profiling Latinos when making immigration arrests.

Pending his scheduled sentencing hearing Oct. 5, Arpaio faced a maximum of up to six months in prison.

Trump announced on Twitter late Friday that he had given a full pardon to Arpaio. Under Article II of the Constitution, a U.S. president can give pardons for any offense against the U.S., except in the case of impeachment charges.

Some Republicans have criticized Trump's decision to pardon Arpaio. Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainBiden's six best bets in 2016 Trump states Replacing Justice Ginsburg could depend on Arizona's next senator The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Washington on edge amid SCOTUS vacancy MORE (R-Ariz.) claimed Friday that Trump's pardon "undermines his claim for the respect of the rule of law."

"Mr. Arpaio was found guilty of criminal contempt for continuing to illegally profile Latinos living in Arizona based on their perceived immigration status in violation of a judge’s orders,” McCain said in a statement.