Written by Steve Holland, Andrew Goudsward, and Andy Sullivan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Supporters of Donald Trump who were involved in the January 6th Capitol attack will start their release from prison on Tuesday, following a broad pardon issued by the newly inaugurated president, signaling his intent to utilize his executive authority vigorously.
The president’s pardon of 1,500 individuals on Monday, coinciding with Inauguration Day, sparked condemnation from lawmakers who were put at risk during the January 6, 2021, incident, when a mob of Trump supporters clashed with officers in an effort to halt Congress from certifying his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden.
“Donald Trump is heralding a new era for those who violate the law and seek to undermine the government,” remarked Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
The violence was fueled by Trump’s refusal to concede his electoral loss, undermining the peaceful transition of power for the first time in U.S. history. Approximately 140 law enforcement officers were injured, and four people lost their lives amid the turmoil.
Among those expected to be freed are leaders of extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, some of whom were convicted of seditious conspiracy. On Monday, about 40 individuals donning Proud Boys apparel engaged in taunts with protesters in the streets of Washington during Trump’s inauguration.
This pardon was just one of numerous executive actions Trump signed following the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, which had been overrun by his supporters four years earlier.
Additionally, Trump commenced a significant immigration enforcement initiative, curtailed funding for wind energy and electric vehicles, and facilitated oil exploration in the Arctic and offshore regions. He also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization.
Moreover, he postponed the ban on the popular TikTok app, which was set to be enacted on Sunday.
Despite his threats, Trump did not immediately impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
Some of his executive orders, like one that would revoke the citizenship guarantee for those born in the U.S., may be challenged in court.
His announcement to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America elicited laughter from Hillary Clinton, his Democratic challenger in the 2016 presidential election, during his swearing-in ceremony.
Other policy shifts were already affecting real lives. Along the U.S.-Mexico border, migrants were distressed as their asylum appointments were canceled, while planes meant to transport over 1,600 Afghan refugees cleared for U.S. entry were redirected.
However, Trump seems to be benefiting from his resurgence in power. A cryptocurrency he introduced on Friday surged to over $10 billion in market value by Monday, and another venture linked to him, World Liberty Financial, secured $300 million in token sales.
