In his first 24 hours of a second term, Donald Trump exercised a sweeping pardon, releasing nearly 1,600 defendants connected to the January 6 Capitol attack, including leaders from extremist groups. This move was sharply criticized by legal experts who warned it could inspire future political violence. Trump's action is seen as a fulfillment of a promise to his supporters, who view the riot as an act of patriotism and believe the defendants are unjustly prosecuted, presenting potential dangers to the rule of law in America.
I worry that it will embolden people to engage in political violence, so long as they are acting in service to the leader, says Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney.
Trump and his allies have sought to recast the insurrection as an act of patriotism, and the prosecution of rioters as a grave injustice.
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