President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack on his first day in office. In an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC's Meet the Press, Trump said he would act "very quickly" to pardon those charged or convicted in connection with the riot, including individuals who admitted to assaulting law enforcement officers.
“They had no choice,” Trump claimed, adding that the legal system is “very corrupt” and coerced defendants into guilty pleas under duress. More than 1,500 people have been charged for their roles in the attack, with over 1,200 convicted or pleading guilty and more than 200 currently incarcerated.
Trump, himself previously charged in federal investigations that were dismissed after his election victory, has faced criticism for his potential use of the Justice Department. He suggested the House members who investigated the attack “should go to jail” but stated it would be up to Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi to decide whether to pursue prosecutions.
“I’m really looking to make our country successful,” Trump said, emphasizing that his focus would be on forward-looking policies rather than retribution.
