Trump remains vague on potential pardons for January 6 Capitol riot defendants

President-elect Donald Trump has not clarified his plans regarding pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Speculation continues among the 1,600 defendants, especially after Vice President-elect JD Vance suggested that violent offenders should not be pardoned. Trump may consider pardoning around 900 defendants charged with misdemeanors, who typically received probation or short home confinement. However, the fate of over 600 defendants charged with assault remains uncertain, as Trump has hinted at possible clemency but has not committed to specifics. The handling of seditious conspiracy convictions against leaders of far-right groups is also unclear. With nearly 500 cases still pending, the incoming Department of Justice may seek delays to reassess its approach, while Trump’s attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, faces scrutiny over her stance on these cases.