Trump Pardons Capitol Rioters and Dark Web Figure Ross Ulbricht in Early Executive Actions

The new U.S. president also lifts sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of violence, drawing sharp criticism from domestic and international figures.

Donald Trump has pardoned over 1,270 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, including members of far-right groups Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
Trump described the convicted Capitol rioters as 'hostages' and claimed they were treated unfairly by the judicial system.
Ross Ulbricht, founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, was granted a full pardon; he had been serving a life sentence for drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Trump's decision to lift sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli settlers accused of violence has been praised by Israeli far-right leaders but condemned by Palestinian officials as enabling further violence.
Critics, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have denounced these actions as undermining justice and international accountability.