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Trump Grants Clemency to January 6 Defendants in Controversial Move
In one of his initial actions in office, President Donald Trump granted clemency to all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. This decision marked a sweeping reversal of ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
On Monday, Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 supporters and commuted the sentences of 14 others. Describing his decision as an effort to rectify a "grave national injustice" and promote "national reconciliation," Trump made the announcement through a proclamation.
The clemency covered individuals convicted of both severe and minor offenses. High-profile figures such as Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, and Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, who received an 18-year sentence for similar charges, were among those pardoned. Additionally, more than 700 individuals convicted of misdemeanors, including trespassing, saw their records cleared, and hundreds of ongoing prosecutions were halted.
Addressing criticism about leniency towards those who assaulted law enforcement, Trump argued that the individuals had already endured long periods of incarceration. "Many have been destroyed," he said, comparing their sentences to lighter penalties often given to violent offenders.
During his re-election campaign, Trump had promised to pardon many January 6 participants, though the extent of clemency he would offer remained uncertain. Some allies had advocated clemency only for peaceful protestors, excluding those involved in violence.
The decision faced strong backlash, with critics accusing Trump of undermining the justice system and law enforcement. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the move, calling it a betrayal of police officers and an insult to those who defended the Capitol against the mob.
The January 6 attack resulted in over 1,500 charges, with more than 1,200 convictions, including around 250 for assault. Rioters injured over 140 officers and caused significant economic damages. Despite being implicated in the events, Trump faced no prosecution due to the Justice Department’s policy of not charging sitting presidents.