Donald Trump · Republican · Proclamation / Clemency
Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Defendants
Jan 20, 2025
Donald TrumpJustice & Civil LibertiesProclamation / ClemencySecond term (2025–)
📜 View the official record on federalregister.gov
What happened
Granted clemency to roughly 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, including pardons and some commutations for those convicted of violent offenses.
How it happened
Issued via presidential clemency on Inauguration Day.
Documented impact
Positive impactcontested
Supporters viewed it as correcting what they called politicized prosecutions.
Backers framed defendants as overcharged or treated unfairly.
Negative impactcontested
Critics said it excused political violence against police.
Law-enforcement groups and prosecutors objected, noting many pardoned had assaulted officers.
Public opinion
📊 Public opinion
Blanket pardons for January 6 defendants
Favor34%
Oppose65%
75% oppose pardons for those who assaulted Capitol Police — including 55% of Republicans.
Sources
Every claim above links to its source. Primary record and cited reporting: