U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order pardoning approximately 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, marking one of his first actions upon returning to the White House.
Trump arrived at the White House for the first time as the 47th president on Monday evening and immediately proceeded to the Oval Office to sign the order. Speaking to reporters, he initially stated that around 1,500 people were being pardoned but later reports confirmed the number to be closer to 1,600.
The order also commuted the sentences of 14 members of the right-wing extremist groups Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who had been convicted of sedition and other offences related to the attack. Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys and the recipient of the longest sentence of 22 years, is among those expected to be released soon, according to his attorney.
In addition to granting pardons, Trump’s order directs the U.S. attorney general to dismiss approximately 300 pending cases linked to the Capitol riot.
Trump also signed executive orders to initiate the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization, delay the ban on TikTok for 75 days, declare a state of emergency at the southern border, and impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Prior to entering the White House, he addressed his supporters at the Capital One Arena, where he signed about 10 additional executive orders, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and repealing 78 executive orders and regulations from the Biden administration.
“Can you imagine Biden doing that? I don’t think so,” Trump told the crowd amid loud applause.
A full list of the executive actions can be accessed on the White House website.
