Trump Defends 1,500 January 6 Pardons in First Oval Office Interview

Jan 23, 2025, 05:07 AM

Donald Trump, in his first televised interview since returning to the presidency, defended his decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Speaking with Fox News' Sean Hannity from the Oval Office, Trump described the attacks on police officers during the riots as 'very minor incidents' and claimed the participants were treated unfairly. Shortly after being sworn in, Trump signed an executive order that pardoned these individuals and commuted the sentences of 14 others, including members of far-right groups such as the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. He reiterated his unsubstantiated claim that the 2020 election was 'rigged,' stating that the rioters were protesting the vote. The pardons included over 250 individuals convicted of assault charges, some involving attacks on police with makeshift weapons. Trump also criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for issuing preemptive pardons and suggested those who pursued legal actions against him should be investigated.