Until Monday, no one really seemed to believe that President Trump would release all the riotors arrested for the Jan 6 insurrection. But on his first day back in office, Trump has issued a sweeping executive order granting clemency to individuals arrested in connection with the Jan 6 riot.

By doing so, Trump would have granted commutations for 14 high-profile convicts and a blanket pardon that would effectively free over 250 prisoners, and halting what was the largest criminal investigation in U.S history.

Mixed Signals from Trump’s Team

There were many who have expressed their own skepticism about the broad release, and this skepticism was even present within Trump's own team.

For example, Vice President JD Vance, stated that individuals who committed violence during the riot should not be pardoned. Similarly, Trump's Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, in congressional testimony, condemned violence against law enforcement while agreeing to review riot-related cases individually.

But Trump thought otherwise, saying during a news conference that the riots who were imprisoned suffered in horrific conditions for years, and they should be released. Following the news of the pardon, there were celebrations across all of social media, with families and supporters of the released prisoners expressing gratitude.

Despite the celebratory scenes, there were also many voices of dissentment. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, described the pardons as “shocking and upsetting.”

Capitol Police officer Winston Pingeon, who was assaulted during the riots, called the clemency “a slap in the face” to law enforcement and the judicial system.

Trump releasing Far-right extremist

Trump’s order commuted sentences for 14 individuals but stopped short of full pardons for some. The list includes members of the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Militia. Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was on the list, and was released in the early hours of Tuesday.

Critics argue this selective clemency undermines accountability. Wendy Via, CEO of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, warned that the release of militia leaders like Rhodes could reinvigorate far-right groups. “The fallout from these pardons is that Trump has sent a message: violence is a viable tool for change, as long as it aligns with his agenda,” she said.

Polls suggest that Trump’s decision is unpopular, with only 20% of Americans supporting pardons for the rioters. Many observers are questioning whether this move reflects Trump’s prioritization of political loyalty over justice and accountability.