Convicted January 6 rioters could be pardoned as soon as Donald Trump returns to office. At a rally on inauguration eve, the incoming 47th president hinted at good news on who he described as “hostages” from the 2021 attack on the Capitol. “Tomorrow, everybody in this very large arena will be very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages,” he said, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. The Trump administration has already begun drafting pardons for those convicted in the attack, according to CNN. Though the extent of the initial pardons is unclear, a CNN source said they would be seen as “delivering on his long-held promise.” Over 1,200 people were convicted for roles they played in the insurrection, a majority of whom have pleaded guilty while only a few hundred are jailed. Vice President-elect JD Vance previously broke with Trump on his promise of near-blanket pardons for the rioters, arguing that, for those who committed violent crimes, “obviously, you shouldn’t be pardoned.”
Trump: "Tomorrow everybody in this very large arena will be very happy with my decision on the J6 hostages." pic.twitter.com/amkisZAB3Z
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 19, 2025
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