In a significant move hours into his new presidency, former President Trump has pardoned nearly all defendants involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, totaling roughly 1,500 pardons granted The Hill. This sweeping act fulfilled a long-standing campaign promise, with Trump stating, “What they’ve done to these people is outrageous,” while signing the orders from the Oval Office. The pardons open the door for many supporters to be released from prison in the coming days, some of whom received lengthy sentences for their roles in the violent attack.

Included in these actions are the commuted sentences of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys leaders convicted of sedition, with Enrique Tarrio, former national chair of the Proud Boys, receiving a full pardon. Tarrio, currently serving a 22-year prison sentence - the longest imposed in relation to the attack - is reportedly being “processed out” of custody. Other figures like Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, also saw their sentences commuted, prompting a wave of relief among their supporters.

Despite earlier comments from some of Trump’s allies indicating a more cautious approach regarding pardons for violent offenders, Trump’s actions underscore his commitment to those he regards as persecuted by the legal system. During a news briefing, he referred to the Jan. 6 defendants as “political prisoners,” expressing belief that the clemency decisions would resonate positively among his supporter base. “You’ll be happy because, you know, it’s action, not words that count,” he stated.

Moreover, Trump instructed his Justice Department to dismiss all ongoing indictments against Jan. 6 defendants who have not yet completed their cases, a move that could effectively end around 470 ongoing legal battles. His approach has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, as the Department of Justice had touted the sedition convictions as critical milestones in their extensive investigation into the Capitol assault.

The political implications of these pardons and commutations are vast, eliciting both support and outrage among different factions. As the Capitol riot continues to be a contentious topic in American politics, Trump’s actions in this regard signal his unwavering support for the individuals involved, while potentially reshaping future discussions around accountability and justice in the broader context of political dissent.

For more details on this development, visit The Hill.