On his first day as the 47th U.S. president, Donald Trump issued pardons or commutations for more than 1,500 people charged or convicted over the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The move includes 14 members of far-right groups, the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose sentences were commuted. Trump also ordered the Department of Justice to drop all pending riot-related cases.
Among those released is Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers founder, who was serving an 18-year sentence. Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, was also pardoned. Trump defended his actions, calling the prosecutions unjust and describing the rioters as “hostages.”
Democrats condemned the move, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling it an “outrageous insult” to law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. Senate Democrat Patty Murray accused Trump of rewriting history. Before taking office, Trump’s aides suggested a case-by-case review, but he ultimately granted sweeping clemency.
Meanwhile, families of Capitol riot defendants gathered outside Washington, D.C. jails, awaiting their release. Some are expected to be freed within hours of Trump’s order.
