Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Defendants, Celebrated as Heroes at CPAC

Former Capitol rioters, now pardoned, gain celebrity status at CPAC, sparking both praise and criticism across political divides.

President Donald Trump issued mass clemency for nearly 1,600 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot on his first day of his second term.
Pardoned defendants were celebrated at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), with some treated as heroes and gaining newfound celebrity status.
Controversy arose when some pardoned rioters were initially denied entry to CPAC, though event organizers later allowed them access, citing a misunderstanding.
Criticism of the pardons came from law enforcement officials, Democrats, and some Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who opposed clemency for those convicted of violent crimes.
Some pardoned individuals, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, are pushing for further actions, such as full pardons, restoration of rights, and lawsuits against the Department of Justice.