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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on January 21, 2025
Trump announces pardons for some Jan 6 rioters on first day in office
Referring to the rioters, he said: “Tonight I’m going to be signing on the January 6 hostages’ pardons to get them out.”
President Donald Trump speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday to grant clemency to almost all individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
This includes nonviolent offenders and those convicted of serious crimes like seditious conspiracy and assaulting police officers.
The Washington Post reports that Trump is expected to bypass a case-by-case review, opting instead for blanket pardons or commutations. However, these plans could still change before they are officially announced.
During his inaugural address to supporters, Trump reiterated his intention to pardon January 6 defendants. According to the BBC, he said: “We’ll be signing pardons for a lot of people.”
Later, addressing a crowd at an indoor rally in Capitol One arena, Trump declared: “Now the work begins. We won, we won, but now the work begins.”
Referring to the rioters, he said: “Tonight I’m going to be signing on the January 6 hostages’ pardons to get them out.” Trump added, “As soon as I leave, I’m going to the Oval Office to sign pardons for a lot of people.”
Trump also mentioned the recent release of hostages in the Middle East, saying, “It should’ve never happened,” while thanking Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy, for his role in resolving the crisis.
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The Washington Post highlights that Trump’s decision has sparked widespread debate. While some advisers urged a more cautious approach, others advocated sweeping clemency to fulfil promises made to his base.
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