In a flurry of activity on his inauguration day, President Donald Trump pardoned almost all defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This fulfilled a promise he made earlier that day at his inaugural parade at Capital One Arena in Washington, where he stated his intention to sign pardons for "a lot of people." The pardons, exceeding 1,500, notably included Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys chairman who was facing a potential 22-year prison sentence for seditious conspiracy.
The pardons were among over 200 executive orders Trump signed on Monday. These included withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, an action he had taken previously during his first term. Other actions were anticipated, as Trump had indicated he would be "acting very quickly" on his first day to address various policy matters.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the pardons as "shameful" and an "insult" to the justice system and the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. She emphasized the need to remember the officers' courage in upholding democracy.
Just hours before Trump's inauguration, outgoing President Joe Biden issued his own set of pardons, including one for retired Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Biden also pardoned individuals involved in the January 6 Select Committee investigation. He stated that the pardons should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt but rather as recognition of the individuals' service to the country.
