In a bold and anticipated move just hours into his second term, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation granting pardons and commuting the sentences of nearly all individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The sweeping clemency fulfills a long-standing campaign promise and underscores Trump’s commitment to his base, many of whom view the convicted individuals as political prisoners.
GRANTING PARDONS AND COMMUTATION OF SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES RELATING TO THE EVENTS AT OR NEAR THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021
January 20, 2025
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation.
Acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, I do hereby:
(a) commute the sentences of the following individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, to time served as of January 20, 2025:
• Stewart Rhodes
• Kelly Meggs
• Kenneth Harrelson
• Thomas Caldwell
• Jessica Watkins
• Roberto Minuta
• Edward Vallejo
• David Moerschel
• Joseph Hackett
• Ethan Nordean
• Joseph Biggs
• Zachary Rehl
• Dominic Pezzola
• Jeremy Bertino
(b) grant a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021;
The Attorney General shall administer and effectuate the immediate issuance of certificates of pardon to all individuals described in section (b) above, and shall ensure that all individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, who are currently held in prison are released immediately. The Bureau of Prisons shall immediately implement all instructions from the Department of Justice regarding this directive.
I further direct the Attorney General to pursue dismissal with prejudice to the government of all pending indictments against individuals for their conduct related to the events at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Bureau of Prisons shall immediately implement all instructions from the Department of Justice regarding this directive.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
News of the Order went viral quickly on social media and around the DC prison:
Trump’s proclamation, issued from the Oval Office, pardoned approximately 1,500 defendants, marking one of the largest acts of clemency in U.S. history. The President described his actions as a necessary step toward “national reconciliation” and a remedy for what he termed a “grave national injustice.”
High-Profile Releases
The clemency list includes prominent figures such as Enrique Tarrio, former chairman of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. Tarrio, who had been serving a 22-year sentence — the longest imposed in connection with the events of January 6 — is reportedly being processed for immediate release. Rhodes, serving an 18-year term, also saw his sentence commuted to time served.
These individuals, convicted of seditious conspiracy, had been accused of orchestrating efforts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election. The pardons extend to hundreds of other defendants charged with assaulting law enforcement officers, property destruction, and unlawful entry, among other offenses.
Immediate Impact and Legal Actions
The proclamation directs the Department of Justice to dismiss all pending indictments with prejudice, effectively shutting down approximately 470 ongoing cases. Trump also ordered the Bureau of Prisons to ensure the immediate release of all individuals currently incarcerated for January 6-related offenses.
“What they’ve done to these people is outrageous,” Trump said during the signing ceremony. “These are good Americans who have been persecuted for standing up for what they believe in.”
Biden’s Preemptive Pardons
The announcement follows former President Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons for members and staff of the January 6 Committee, shielding them from potential legal challenges arising from their investigative work. This juxtaposition highlights the polarized political climate surrounding the Capitol events and their aftermath.
Political and Social Reactions
Critics argue that Trump’s sweeping clemency undermines the rule of law and justice for alleged victims of the Capitol attack, particularly law enforcement officers who faced violence that day. Approximately 600 individuals had been accused of assaulting or impeding police during the riot.
Supporters, however, view the pardons as a corrective measure, echoing Trump’s assertion that the defendants were “hostages” of a politically motivated justice system.
Looking Ahead
As Trump’s second term begins, his decision sets the tone for an administration poised to pursue bold and controversial measures. The President’s remarks suggest further actions may follow, signaling an aggressive approach to reshaping federal policies and addressing grievances he believes have divided the nation.
“You’re going to see a lot of action,” Trump declared Monday. “This is about justice, and it’s only the beginning.”