Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to grant pardons to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The move came just hours after his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, following his return to the White House.
The January 6 riot, in which Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building during the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory, resulted in the deaths of five people. The incident, fueled by Trump’s allegations of election fraud and a rally urging action, marked one of the most turbulent days in recent U.S. history.
At a press conference on Tuesday, where Trump announced a significant investment in artificial intelligence, he addressed questions from reporters regarding his controversial decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot.
Trump justified the pardons by pointing to the extensive time many offenders had already spent behind bars. “They have served years in jail,” he said. “Murderers don’t even go to jail in this country.”
The former president also highlighted the lasting impact on the lives of those involved, stating, “Their lives have been ruined.”
The sweeping pardons have sparked significant debate, with critics questioning the precedent it sets and supporters applauding Trump’s commitment to his base. The decision underscores the continued political divide surrounding the events of January 6 and Trump’s broader influence on U.S. politics.
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