On his first full day in office, President Donald Trump expressed his support for individuals convicted of assaulting police during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, confirming his decision to grant them clemency. Trump also hinted that extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose leaders face serious charges, might find a place in the political landscape of America. The president made these remarks as part of a broader strategy to reverse many initiatives of the previous administration, especially those emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The White House has issued a directive placing all federal employees involved in DEI initiatives on paid leave, with plans for their layoffs in the near future. Additionally, training programs designed to promote DEI have been canceled, marking a significant shift in government policy. Trump’s actions are seen as part of a larger effort to reshape Washington since his return to the presidency, particularly his focus on granting pardons to supporters involved in the Capitol attack.
Among the nearly 1,500 individuals granted clemency by Trump were over 200 individuals who had pleaded guilty to assaults on police officers during the riot. The violent incident led to injuries for at least 140 officers, many of whom suffered serious physical harm as Trump supporters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Prior to the Capitol unrest, the Proud Boys were primarily recognized for their confrontations with anti-fascist groups. During a contentious presidential debate in 2020, Trump notably instructed them to “stand back and stand by.” Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, along with three associates, was convicted of seditious conspiracy related to a violent scheme aimed at obstructing the constitutional transfer of power. Tarrio had been serving a 22-year sentence, among the longest given in connection with the Capitol riot, before Trump intervened with a pardon.
When questioned about the presence of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers in political circles, Trump responded cautiously, stating that their recent pardons must be seen as a pivotal point. He criticized the severity of their sentences, asserting, “These are people who actually love our country, so we thought a pardon would be appropriate.”
Trump’s relationship with law enforcement came under scrutiny as major police organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police, publicly expressed their disappointment over the pardons, insisting that those convicted should complete their sentences in full. In another matter, Trump addressed inquiries regarding his potential financial gain from launching a new cryptocurrency token, revealing little knowledge of its performance but stating it had shown early success.
On his first day back in office, Trump exercised his authority by dismissing over 1,000 presidential appointees not aligned with his administration’s vision. High-profile figures were included in this action, such as celebrity chef José Andrés and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who both rejected Trump’s claims that they had been fired, asserting instead that they had already resigned from their positions.
During this time, significant announcements were made regarding a new venture in artificial intelligence infrastructure called Stargate, promising up to $500 billion in investments over four years. Key business leaders joined Trump in this initiative, which reportedly had been planned during Biden’s presidency. Furthermore, on the morning of his first full day, Trump participated in a national prayer service, a customary event for newly inaugurated presidents, at the Washington National Cathedral. Critics voiced concern as one speaker used the occasion to urge Trump to extend compassion towards marginalized groups.
Following the service, Trump rated the experience unfavorably, indicating he did not find it particularly engaging. Later, he convened with congressional GOP leaders to discuss political priorities, including proposed tax cuts and regulatory reforms. Anecdotal reports characterized the meeting as exploratory, with various ideas discussed but no definitive strategies decided upon.
Senate Republicans later highlighted the possibility of recess appointments to expedite Trump’s Cabinet confirmations, responding to the pressing need for staffing in his administration. Trump alluded to potential leverage during budget discussions regarding the wildfires in Los Angeles, suggesting that they would likely prompt a call for federal support from Democrats.
