Trump vows January 6 pardons on first day

In a recent interview aired, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to pardon January 6 Capitol riot participants on his first day in office. Trump indicated he would "act quickly" to provide legal relief to supporters he claims are "living in hell," though he mentioned possible exceptions for individuals who acted "radical" or "crazy" during the attack.

The 2021 Capitol riot, which resulted in over 140 injured police officers and multiple deaths, has led to America's largest criminal investigation. The Justice Department reports 1,572 defendants have been charged, with 1,251 convicted or pleading guilty, and 645 receiving prison sentences ranging from days to 22 years.

Trump's announcement comes shortly after President Biden's controversial pardon of his son Hunter, which Trump's supporters view as precedent for broad-based clemency. Trump criticized the prosecution of January 6 defendants as corrupt, suggesting many were pressured unfairly into guilty pleas.

Legal experts expressed concern that mass pardons could encourage future political violence. Currently, about 250 people remain in custody, most serving sentences after conviction, while others await trial.

During the interview, Trump also addressed other political matters, including criticism of the House January 6 committee. He specifically targeted former Representative Liz Cheney and Representative Bennie Thompson, accusing them of destroying investigation evidence.

Regarding future Justice Department operations, Trump indicated he wouldn't direct his proposed Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to investigate special counsel Jack Smith, whose federal cases against Trump were dropped post-election.

The scope of potential pardons could affect defendants charged with various crimes, from unlawful parading to seditious conspiracy, including members of groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers convicted of serious offenses.