President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue pardons for supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, stating he would ‘most likely’ provide legal assist on his first day in office.
Trump described the conditions faced by those incarcerated as “filthy” and “disgusting” and asserted they were being subjected to a “very nasty system.”
In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, emphasized that many of the individuals convicted or detained in connection with the Capitol attack deserve clemency, though he acknowledged there “may be some exceptions” for those who were “radical” or “crazy.”
President Trump announces he’ll pardon some J6 defendants: “We’re going to look at individual cases … They’ve been in there for years!”pic.twitter.com/4OK6lxRGBh
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) December 8, 2024
He reiterated unfounded claims of infiltration by anti-Trump elements during the riot, further complicating the narrative.
“I’m going to be acting very quickly. First day,” Trump said. “They’ve been in there for years, and they’re in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn’t even be allowed to be open.”
As of now, over 1,500 defendants have faced charges related to January 6, with more than 1,250 convicted or pleading guilty. At least 645 have been sentenced to incarceration, with terms ranging from a few days to 22 years. Approximately 250 remain in custody, either serving sentences or awaiting trial.
When asked about pardoning those who assaulted law enforcement officers, Trump suggested they had little choice in their actions. He also criticized the justice system for pressuring defendants into guilty pleas, arguing it was “corrupt” and “nasty.”
“They say to a guy, ‘You’re going to go to jail for two years or for 30 years.’ And these guys are looking, their whole lives have been destroyed,” Trump said.
The charges stemming from January 6 range from unlawful entry to seditious conspiracy. Among those convicted are members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, as well as individuals accused of plotting violence against law enforcement and public figures.
When asked about special counsel Jack Smith, who brought two federal cases against Trump before the election, the president-elect refrained from committing to any investigations. Smith’s cases were ultimately dropped after Trump’s victory.
Trump described Smith as “deranged” and “very corrupt” but said he would allow his nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, to decide independently whether to pursue any legal actions.
“I want her to do what she wants to do,” Trump said. “I’m not going to instruct her to do it.”
Trump accused the bipartisan House committee that investigated the Capitol attack of destroying evidence and lying to the public.
He specifically targeted former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney and Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, claiming they had committed a “major crime.”
“Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said, though he stated he would not direct his appointees to prosecute them.
While Trump claimed the committee destroyed evidence, transcripts and videos of interviews with over 1,000 witnesses have been preserved and made publicly available.
Sensitive materials were reviewed by government agencies to prevent improper disclosure, and additional records remain accessible to the White House and congressional committees.
Trump’s remarks underscore the contentious nature of his return to the presidency and highlight his commitment to addressing the fallout from January 6. The potential pardons are likely to spark significant political and legal debate in the months ahead.
