Donald Trump Kicks Off Day One with Mass Pardon for January 6 Political Prisoners

In one of his most notable day-one acts, Trump issued a widespread pardon for approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. The beneficiaries of the pardon included Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who was serving a 22-year sentence on charges of seditious conspiracy, as well as individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the riot.

Trump had long pledged to secure the release of those arrested in connection to the riot, often referring to them as “hostages” or political prisoners.