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Trump Pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 Defendants, Signs Sweeping Orders on Day One

Washington, Jan 20 (Reuters) — Hours after reclaiming the presidency, Donald Trump issued a controversial wave of executive actions, including pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack. His rapid moves set a bold tone for his second term, focusing on immigration, environmental policies, and a reshaped federal government.

 

Key Highlights from Trump's First Day Back in Office

Jan. 6 Pardons

Trump pardoned 1,500 supporters convicted of crimes related to the Capitol riot, including 14 leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. While their convictions remain intact, their prison sentences were cut short. The decision sparked outrage among law enforcement and lawmakers, with many recalling the violence that left 140 officers injured and four dead during the riot.

 

Sweeping Executive Actions

Trump quickly signed a series of executive orders targeting key campaign promises:

Immigration: Declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, shut down a migrant appointment system, canceled refugee flights for 1,660 Afghans, and sought to end birthright citizenship.

Environment: Withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, rolled back Biden-era electric vehicle policies, and dismantled climate-related federal programs.
 

Federal Government Reform: Introduced a "Department of Government Efficiency," led by Elon Musk, to reduce spending and bureaucracy.

Biden's Final Acts

Outgoing President Joe Biden issued last-minute pardons, including General Mark Milley, fearing potential retaliation from Trump. He also pardoned several family members before leaving office.

 

Polarizing Inauguration

Trump, 78, took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda, the site of the Jan. 6 riot. His speech cast him as a divinely chosen leader, emphasizing his intent to "restore American greatness." Despite calls for unity, his rhetoric remained divisive, accusing other nations of exploiting the U.S. and criticizing Biden’s administration.

Notable attendees included tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, signaling growing alliances between Trump's administration and major tech figures.

 

Foreign and Domestic Policy Shifts

Trump vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and reiterated his intention to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Domestically, he ordered the removal of nonpartisan senior diplomats, rolled back diversity programs, and imposed strict gender recognition policies.

 

A Tumultuous Path Ahead

While Trump celebrated his return to power, his controversial decisions, particularly the pardons and executive orders, have already triggered sharp criticism and legal challenges. His administration's direction suggests a transformative, yet contentious era ahead for the United States.