Donald Trump is ready to make a major move when he takes office. At a victory rally on Sunday at Washington’s Capital One Arena, Trump, alongside performers Kid Rock and the Village People, prepares to announce his plan for the January 6 rioters. It’s going to be a big statement — and Day 1 of his presidency could bring a flood of pardons for those convicted in the Capitol attack.
A long-held promise
Trump’s promise to pardon the rioters has been clear for months. He’s made it no secret that he plans to tackle January 6 quickly, even hinting at action within the first nine minutes of his presidency. The question is: Who will get a pardon? While Trump’s team has drafted a list, the full extent remains a mystery.
Around 1,270 people have faced charges connected to the riot, with hundreds already convicted. Most pleaded guilty, and only a few hundred are behind bars. Trump’s focus will be on those who took part in the Capitol attack, but not all rioters will be pardoned. The question on everyone’s mind: Will violent offenders get a pass?
GOP lawmakers weigh in
Trump’s vice president-elect, JD Vance, has made it clear that those who committed violent acts shouldn’t be pardoned. However, he’s left room for nuance, acknowledging the “gray area” of some cases. Republican lawmakers have also weighed in. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that peaceful protesters should be pardoned, but violent rioters should not. He insisted that every case needs to be evaluated individually. Trump himself has said that he’s not ruling anything out.
Trump’s Justice Department history
Trump’s relationship with the Justice Department has been fraught with tension. After the riot, he vowed to hold those responsible accountable. He made it clear: “You will pay,” he warned rioters. Despite the heavy prosecutions that followed under his administration, Trump now aims to overturn some of those convictions.
Selective pardons: who gets forgiven?
Lawmakers like Jim Jordan have argued that not all rioters should be treated the same. He’s pushing for a more selective approach, saying violent offenders shouldn’t get a pardon. Jordan’s stance is clear: Those accused of attacking police should not receive clemency. But the power to pardon lies with the president. Trump will have
