Grand Theft America / Receipt power-2025-01-20-088

Trump pardons about 1,500 January 6 rioters on day one

On his first day, Trump grants clemency to about 1,500 January 6 defendants—full pardons for all but 14, and commutations for 14 Oath Keepers and Proud Boys leaders—including more than 240 who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. Dozens have since been charged with other crimes committed after the Capitol attack.

Verified through 2026-08-26Source: npr.orgCorrections: none logged

What happened

On his first day, Trump grants clemency to about 1,500 January 6 defendants—full pardons for all but 14, and commutations for 14 Oath Keepers and Proud Boys leaders—including more than 240 who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement. Dozens have since been charged with other crimes committed after the Capitol attack.

Why it matters

When enforcement power is steered toward critics or away from allies, the law stops operating as a neutral public institution. It is tracked here under “Pardon the January 6 attackers”; the classification describes the documented institutional risk, not a claim about motive.

Receipt details

  • Phase 2
  • Turn law enforcement inward
  • Pardon the January 6 attackers

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