Trump Plans to Pardon January 6 Rioters and Jail Those Who Prosecuted Them

Source: YouTube

In his first sit-down interview since winning the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump made headlines by addressing the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. Speaking to NBC's Kristen Welker, Trump pledged to pardon many convicted rioters on his first day in office. He also reiterated his belief that members of the now-defunct House select committee investigating the attack—particularly Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger—should face jail time for their roles.

Trump's comments underscore his campaign theme of “retribution,” a central focus of his 2024 bid. However, he stopped short of promising to investigate Special Counsel Jack Smith or outgoing President Joe Biden, leaving those decisions to his incoming appointees.

January 6 Payback for Persecuting Victims of Capitol Chaos

Trump described the current conditions of January 6 rioters as “filthy and disgusting” and claimed they were victims of a “corrupt system.” More than 1,250 individuals have been convicted or pleaded guilty for their actions that day. Trump vowed to review cases on an individual basis but warned of exceptions for those he deemed “radical or crazy.”

In addition to promising pardons, Trump suggested members of the House select committee had destroyed evidence and committed crimes during their investigation. He named Cheney and Kinzinger, two Republicans who opposed his claims of election fraud, as particular targets. Cheney fired back, labeling Trump's comments as an attack on the rule of law.

Surprisingly, No Plans to Go After Biden and Jack Smith, Unless… 

Despite previous vows to investigate Biden, Trump stated he would only pursue such actions if his incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel deemed it necessary. Trump described Jack Smith, the special counsel who prosecuted him in federal cases before the election, as “very corrupt.” However, he emphasized that Bondi and Patel would have autonomy in making such decisions.

This marks a shift in tone for Trump, who previously advocated for aggressive legal actions against his political rivals. His remarks suggest he may focus on governance rather than revenge—unless advised otherwise by his appointees.

Preferring Kash: The Challenge of Replacing the FBI’s Christopher Wray

Kash Patel's nomination to lead the FBI faces a significant hurdle: the removal of current Director Christopher Wray. Appointed by Trump during his first term, Wray has three years remaining in his 10-year term. Trump's dissatisfaction with Wray stems from the FBI's investigation into classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago, an incident Trump described as an “invasion.”

Firing Wray would be a complex process, requiring either his resignation or a politically fraught dismissal. Trump hinted he is prepared to make such a move to install Patel, who has been a vocal critic of the “deep state” and has pledged to clean house within federal agencies.

Will Trump Get Off to a Flying Start in His Second Take on the Presidency? 

Trump's interview offered a glimpse into his priorities as he prepares to retake office. His focus on January 6 pardons, retribution against perceived enemies, and potential legal actions against political rivals reflects his enduring grievances. Yet his willingness to delegate decisions on Biden and Smith investigations could signal a more restrained approach—or a strategic move to shield himself from criticism.

The path forward for Bondi and Patel remains uncertain. Bondi is expected to bring extensive legal experience to the Department of Justice, while Patel's nomination will likely spark contentious confirmation hearings. Meanwhile, Wray's fate as FBI Director will test Trump's ability to navigate political resistance within his own party and beyond.

Do you agree with Trump’s plans to go after January 6 committee members and pardon the jailed rioters? Tell us what you think!