Trump Pardons Nearly 1,600 Jan. 6 Defendants, Calling Them ‘Hostages’

 

On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump issued sweeping clemency for approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol “insurrection.” 

Trump, who has long downplayed the event and referred to the defendants as “political prisoners” and “hostages,” described the move as fulfilling a major campaign promise.