In a sweeping and controversial move, former President Donald Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. The pardons were executed on inauguration day, catching many by surprise and triggering a wave of criticism from within the Republican Party. The released individuals included prominent figures such as Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, both of whom had been serving lengthy sentences for their roles in the insurrection.
The decision to grant these pardons, one of Trump's first actions upon his return to office, contradicted earlier statements from Republican leaders. Vice-President JD Vance had previously asserted that only peaceful protesters should receive clemency, while those guilty of violent acts should face justice. However, Trump's broad approach to pardoning all offenders disregarded these distinctions, leading to significant backlash within his own party.
Several Republican senators expressed their discontent with Trump's decision. Lisa Murkowski voiced her disappointment, while Mitch McConnell emphasized that "no one should excuse violence," particularly against law enforcement officers. The Wall Street Journal criticized the pardons for including individuals who attacked police with weapons like pepper spray and reinforced brass knuckles.
“No one should excuse violence. And particularly violence against police officers” – McConnell
The decision also placed Trump's allies in a difficult position. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson attempted to navigate the controversy by acknowledging the president's autonomy in decision-making.
“What the president has said and what the vice-president-elect, JD Vance, has said is that peaceful protesters should be pardoned, but violent criminals should not. That’s a simple determination” – Johnson
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio, the newly confirmed Secretary of State, sought to shift focus away from the pardons by highlighting past pardons issued by Joe Biden to his family members and critics of Trump. Rubio distanced himself from domestic political issues, emphasizing his commitment to foreign policy matters.
“It’s not going to happen. If you have questions for me about foreign policy and engaging in the world, I’d be happy to talk to you about those” – Rubio
“I hope you guys all understand that my days – at least in the time at the Department of State – of engaging in domestic politics will be put aside as I focus on the affairs the United States has around the world” – Rubio
The pardons were perceived as a reward to Trump's supporters, many of whom held leadership roles within far-right groups implicated in the Capitol attack. This move has stirred fears of a potential revolt among Republican senators who, while condemning the pardons themselves, refrained from openly criticizing Trump.
Vice-President Vance reiterated his stance against pardoning violent offenders but found his position undermined by Trump's actions.
“If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned” – Vance