Washington: President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, stating during an interview aired Sunday that he intends to act swiftly once in office.
"On my first day, I’ll act quickly," Trump said during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press with Kristen Welker when asked about pardoning his supporters who were charged in the violent attempt to overturn the 2020 election. He suggested there could be exceptions for those who acted "radically" or "crazily" but strongly criticized the prosecutions as corrupt, leaving open the possibility of pardoning all 900+ individuals who have pleaded guilty or been convicted.
Trump’s remarks, his most specific on the issue since winning the election against Vice President Kamala Harris, have raised expectations of sweeping clemency once he assumes office on January 20.
Supporters of the January 6 defendants welcomed the statement. "He's inching closer to delivering what the January 6 community is calling for: clemency for everyone," said Suzzanne Monk, an advocate for those charged in connection with the riot.
Expectations for mass pardons grew after President Joe Biden granted a pardon to his son Hunter, citing political persecution. Analysts believe this move could reduce the political risks for Trump in issuing widespread clemency.
Legal experts, however, have expressed concerns. Kimberly Wehle, a law professor at the University of Baltimore, warned that broad pardons could embolden political violence. “Rewarding individuals for breaking the law in an effort to overturn legitimate election results is unprecedented,” she said.
The January 6 attack has resulted in over 1,500 charges, with convictions or guilty pleas exceeding 1,250. Sentences range from a few days to 22 years, including for high-profile figures like Proud Boys leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy.
Attorneys representing defendants, such as John Pierce, have urged Trump to issue blanket pardons, arguing that case-by-case evaluations could leave many dissatisfied. Norm Pattis, representing two convicted Proud Boys leaders, emphasized Trump’s role in fostering beliefs about a stolen election, which motivated his clients’ actions. "He needs to acknowledge his part in creating those expectations and pardon broadly," Pattis said.
In the interview, Trump criticized the extended detentions and harsh conditions faced by some defendants, describing them as victims of a "nasty system." He also hinted at challenges in drawing lines around violent conduct when granting clemency.
Jake Lang, a defendant awaiting trial for charges including assaulting police officers, expressed optimism about a blanket pardon. “On January 20, 2025, I expect full exoneration for everyone,” Lang said, framing such a move as a step toward "national healing."