On his first day back in the Oval Office, President Trump signed executive orders, including pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This action fulfilled a promise he made in December to swiftly pardon those charged with crimes related to the incident. The pardons also extended to six others, including leaders of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, whose sentences were commuted.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted strongly, condemning the pardons as "shameful" and an "outrageous insult" to the justice system and the law enforcement officers who protected the Capitol. She emphasized the "courage" of these officers, stating that they ensured the survival of democracy. Pelosi, who was not present at Trump's inauguration, criticized the move as a betrayal of the officers who risked their lives to prevent the disruption of the peaceful transfer of power.
The Justice Department has documented that approximately 140 police officers, including members of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, were assaulted during the Capitol riot.
At his inaugural parade at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Trump announced his intention to pardon those he referred to as "hostages" involved in the January 6th events. He stated he would be going to the Oval Office to sign the pardons. As of January, over 1,000 individuals had pleaded guilty to crimes related to the riot, and approximately 250 had been convicted after trials.
