Trump promises pardon for Jan 6 defendants on his first day
SUMMARY
In his first post-election TV interview, President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his pledge to pardon individuals jailed for their involvement in the January 6th events, stating he would address these cases on his first day in office. Trump criticized the judicial system, calling it “corrupt,” and argued many January 6 defendants pleaded guilty under coercion. Over 1,500 individuals have been arrested in connection with the events, with nearly 900 pleading guilty. Trump also reiterated campaign themes of “retribution,” stating he would not directly instruct his Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi or FBI Director pick Kash Patel to target political rivals but suggested they would have freedom to investigate corruption. He criticized the January 6 House Committee, calling for its members to face justice. Former Rep. Liz Cheney dismissed Trump’s comments as a 'threat' to the rule of law.
