Overview

• 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.