Statements and interviews from Republican politicians

Trump Issues Blanket Pardons for 1,500 Jan. 6 Rioters Amid Criticism

Jan 22, 2025, 12:32 PM

In one of his first acts of his second term, President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon to over 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol riots. The decision, described as a last-minute move, was made amid internal debates within the White House. Trump reportedly dismissed concerns by saying, 'F--k it: Release 'em all.' The pardons included high-profile figures such as Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, and Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, who had been convicted of seditious conspiracy. The federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed the release of over 200 individuals in custody for January 6 crimes. The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, including law enforcement officials and some Republican lawmakers. Critics argue that the pardons undermine the rule of law, particularly given that over 150 police officers were injured during the riots. Michael Fanone, a former police officer injured during the Capitol attack, called the pardons 'outrageous.' Trump defended the decision, calling the prosecutions 'ridiculous and excessive' and stating that many of those pardoned had already served significant time. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for issuing pardons to his family members before leaving office. Some Republicans, such as Vice President JD Vance, initially expressed reservations about pardoning individuals involved in violence but later aligned with the decision. The pardons have sparked debate within the Republican Party and among the public, with some viewing it as a betrayal of law enforcement and others as a fulfillment of Trump's campaign promises.