Fact Check: Donald Trump Pardoned Individuals Convicted in Relation to the January 6 Capitol Events
What We Know
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation granting pardons and commutations to individuals convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. The proclamation specifically stated that he would "commute the sentences" of certain individuals and "grant a full, complete and unconditional pardon" to all other individuals convicted of related offenses (source-1). This action was described as a means to address what Trump termed a "grave national injustice" and to initiate a process of national reconciliation.
The list of individuals whose sentences were commuted included notable figures such as Stewart Rhodes and Jessica Watkins, among others (source-1). Additionally, the proclamation directed the Attorney General to ensure the immediate release of those currently imprisoned for related offenses.
Analysis
The claim that Donald Trump pardoned several individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol events is supported by multiple credible sources. The official proclamation from the White House outlines the specific actions taken by Trump, including the commutation of sentences for a select group of individuals and the unconditional pardoning of all others convicted for their involvement in the Capitol events (source-1, source-3).
Furthermore, reports from reputable news organizations, such as NPR, confirm that Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals associated with the January 6 events (source-6). This aligns with the details provided in the official proclamation and further substantiates the claim.
While some sources, including Senator Dick Durbin, have criticized these pardons, stating that the individuals involved should not have been pardoned, this does not negate the fact that the pardons were indeed granted (source-5). The criticism reflects a political viewpoint rather than a factual dispute regarding the issuance of the pardons.
Conclusion
The claim that Donald Trump pardoned several individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol events is True. The evidence from official proclamations and credible news reports clearly indicates that Trump took significant clemency actions on January 20, 2025, specifically targeting individuals involved in the Capitol events.
Sources
- Granting Pardons And Commutation Of Sentences For Certain Offenses Relating to the Events at or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 - White House
- Clemency Grants by President Donald J. Trump (2025-Present) - U.S. Department of Justice
- President Trump’s Proclamation Granting Pardons and Commutations of Sentences for Certain Offenses Relating to the Events at or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 - U.S. Department of Justice
- Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences for Certain Offenses Relating to the Events at or Near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 - Federal Register
- Durbin: January 6 Insurrectionists Should Have Never Been Pardoned by President Trump - Senator Dick Durbin
- Trump pardons some 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters, commutes 14 sentences - NPR
- Pardon of January 6 United States Capitol attack defendants - Wikipedia
- Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump had criminal records - NPR
