Trump Issues Full Pardon to January 6 Defendant Thomas Caldwell

The pardon follows Caldwell's earlier sentence commutation and is part of a broader clemency effort for Capitol riot participants.

Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy officer, was pardoned by President Trump after his sentence for January 6-related convictions was previously commuted.
Caldwell was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of obstruction and evidence tampering; one conviction was vacated following a Supreme Court ruling.
Prosecutors alleged Caldwell helped plan an armed 'quick reaction force' for the Oath Keepers, though the weapons were never deployed.
Trump's clemency actions have included full pardons for over 1,500 Capitol riot defendants and commutations for leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
Critics argue the clemency undermines accountability and emboldens extremism, while Caldwell's defense highlights leniency in his original sentencing.