Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. According to witness accounts, Pretti was shot after rushing to protect a woman who was being pepper-sprayed by Border Patrol agents. Video evidence shows a federal officer retrieving Pretti's firearm while another officer drew his weapon before the fatal shooting occurred.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operation — Federal immigration agents under the Trump administration shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis on January 24 during an enforcement operation. The killing was the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks and intensified public anger over the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force.
• Federal agents shoot and kill VA nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, in Minneapolis. Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, subsequently labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist." VA Secretary Collins blamed the death on state and local officials' "refusal to cooperate with the federal government." The killing followed another shooting of a U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE official in Minneapolis earlier that month.
• Border Patrol agents fatally shoot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Border Patrol agents fired at least 10 shots at 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, killing him. Pretti had been recording the agents with his phone after they pepper-sprayed and tackled him to the ground. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller falsely labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and claimed he was holding a gun and attempting to assassinate law enforcement. A Trump-appointed federal judge issued a late-night order directing the administration not to destroy or alter evidence in the case.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, 37-year-old ICU nurse, during immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, on a Minneapolis street during an immigration enforcement operation. Video evidence from ABC News shows Pretti recording federal agents with his phone before being pepper-sprayed, pushed into the street, and shot approximately 10 times in under five seconds. A doctor's affidavit cited by ABC describes multiple gunshot wounds including at least three in Pretti's back. An officer was heard saying "I got the gun" after the shooting. The incident occurred the morning after Minnesota's Friday economic blackout protest. Pretti's family disputes official accounts, describing them as "sickening lies."
• Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal agents, identified as ICE/Border Patrol officers, tackled, pepper-sprayed, and shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, on a Minneapolis street. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, and attempting to help another person who had been pushed down by agents. After agents removed a gun from Pretti's waistband, they shot him multiple times, killing him. Federal agents then blocked state investigators, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, from accessing the scene despite a search warrant.
• Fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse by federal ICE agents during immigration operation — Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse and U.S. citizen, was killed by federal agents on Saturday, January 25, 2026, while apparently filming an immigration enforcement operation. Videos verified by The Guardian contradict portions of the Department of Homeland Security's account of the incident. This marks the third shooting involving federal agents in January 2026 and prompted state and city lawyers to urge the court to halt Operation Metro Surge before additional deaths occur.
• Federal agent fatally shoots civilian Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — A 37-year-old nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by a federal Customs and Border Protection agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Democratic lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris, condemned the shooting as an execution and called for accountability. Republicans, led by President Trump and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, blamed Democratic officials for creating a lawless environment that prevented local police cooperation with federal agents.
• Federal agents fatally shoot 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen and Virginia nurse, at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2026, in the Eat Street area of Minneapolis. The killing occurred in front of witnesses who videotaped the incident. It is the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in less than three weeks, following the January 7 death of Renee Good. Federal agents subsequently deployed chemical irritants to disperse crowds and made arrests at the scene. Governor Tim Walz stated the killing contradicted calls for peace.
• Federal agents fatally shoot 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operation — Federal law enforcement officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, a Minneapolis nurse and US citizen with no criminal record and a valid firearm permit, during a protest against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone and attempting to shield a woman being pepper-sprayed; federal officials falsely claimed he was armed with a 9mm handgun and posed a threat to officers. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino contradicted video evidence in their public statements. A Minnesota judge ordered preservation of evidence after state officials alleged DHS was blocking local investigation access.
• Federal agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; nationwide protests erupt — Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse and US citizen employed at Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot dead by federal agents during an encounter in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows Pretti being wrestled to the ground and sprayed with chemical agents before being shot multiple times. The DHS and Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti "approached" officers with a 9mm handgun, contradicting available video footage. Large protests spread across US cities including Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Boston, Providence, Los Angeles, and Washington DC on the following day, with demonstrators calling for ICE abolishment and justice.
• Federal agents kill Minneapolis VA nurse Alex Pretti during ICE enforcement action — Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday during an immigration enforcement operation. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone, with an empty raised hand, appearing to defend a legal observer being pushed down by officers. Multiple agents surrounded him on the ground before firing multiple shots at close range. His family disputes the administration's account that he threatened officers with a gun. Police confirmed his only prior law enforcement contact was for traffic tickets and that he was a lawful gun owner.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti, a nurse, during ICE enforcement operation in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti, a healthcare worker, was fatally shot by federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis on or around January 25, 2026. The shooting occurred amid weeks of intensified federal immigration enforcement in the area. Following the killing, federal agents deployed teargas and projectiles against demonstrators and bystanders who gathered at the scene, injuring multiple people including children and community members seeking to help the injured.
• Federal immigration agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On January 25, 2026, federal immigration officers shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation. Video evidence shows agents removed Pretti's legally carried handgun before shooting him. The incident sparked immediate calls for investigation from former presidents Obama and Clinton, Democratic lawmakers, and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. A federal judge issued an order blocking destruction of evidence. The Trump administration disputed the narrative, with officials claiming Pretti interfered with a lawful arrest, while video evidence contradicted claims he brandished a weapon.
• ICE agents shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; White House falsely brands him "domestic terrorist" — Federal border patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. White House officials immediately claimed Pretti was a "would-be assassin" and "domestic terrorist" brandishing a gun. Multiple witness videos emerged showing Pretti held only a phone when agents pushed him to the ground, and that his gun was removed seconds before he was shot in the back while restrained. Facing public and bipartisan backlash, Trump distanced himself from the narrative and shuffled immigration leadership.
• Federal agents shot and killed VA nurse Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis — Federal Border Patrol and ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a nurse without a criminal record, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. Multiple videos contradicted official DHS claims that Pretti intended to conduct a "massacre" or cause "maximum damage." Internal DHS sources told Fox reporter Bill Melugin that the shooting was likely a "bad shoot" involving an accidental discharge after agents heard "gun," and that DHS messaging about the incident was catastrophic for morale and credibility. The incident triggered congressional scrutiny, a government funding crisis, and a political backlash against the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, an ICE nurse, during Minneapolis street encounter — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, an ICE nurse at Minneapolis VA, on a Minneapolis street during a period of civil unrest. Video evidence shows Pretti standing with phone raised, recording, when officers pepper-sprayed and pulled him into the street. A doctor's affidavit describes at least three gunshot wounds in his back, with multiple shots fired in under five seconds. His family disputes the official account. The incident occurred one day after a statewide economic blackout and clergy-led protest involving an estimated 50,000 people.
• Border Patrol shoots and kills Alex Pretti, ICU nurse, during Minnesota immigration enforcement operation — US Border Patrol officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota on January 25, 2026. Video evidence showed Pretti was unarmed at the moment of the shooting, contradicting federal claims that he posed a direct threat. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed Pretti had threatened a "massacre" before being disarmed, but state investigators were blocked from the scene. The incident sparked public outcry and calls for investigation into federal enforcement tactics.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti during Minneapolis protest — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse at Minneapolis VA Health Care System, during a protest in south Minneapolis on Saturday. Video evidence shows Pretti being tackled by multiple agents after appearing to defend a shoved observer; an agent sprayed him with chemical agent before officers fired multiple shots at close range. DHS characterized the shooting as "defensive" and described protesters as "rioters." Pretti had no prior law enforcement contact except traffic tickets and was a lawful gun permit holder.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA hospital ICU nurse, in Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Pretti had stopped his car to observe agents chasing a family on foot, shouted, and blew a whistle. About a week prior, five agents had tackled him, breaking a rib, after he intervened in a similar incident. The killing triggered widespread public outcry and shifted the political calculus around federal funding bills in Congress.
• Federal agents killed VA ICE nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal immigration enforcement agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA hospital ICE nurse, in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. Pretti was carrying a legally permitted firearm while participating in community-led first-responder activities. Administration officials, including Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and FBI director Kash Patel, claimed the killing was justified and that Pretti posed a threat. However, the Minnesota Department of Corrections launched a website to counter DHS claims, stating that Bovino had misrepresented the target of the operation and that the individual identified had no significant criminal history in Minnesota.
• Minneapolis Police Chief criticized federal enforcement operations — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, in Minneapolis while he was directing traffic and attempting to assist another individual. Video evidence shows agents using pepper spray on Pretti before tackling him to the ground and shooting him multiple times. Following the incident, federal agents blocked state investigators from accessing the scene, prompting Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to file a lawsuit for a temporary restraining order to prevent the destruction of evidence. A judge granted the order, barring the alteration or destruction of evidence related to the shooting.
• Minnesota National Guard distributed supplies to anti-ICE protesters — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told CBS's Face the Nation that the city had experienced three federal shootings in less than three weeks, contrasting this with the Minneapolis Police Department's recovery of 900 guns and arrest of hundreds of violent offenders in the previous year without shooting anyone. O'Hara stated that the federal operations are unsustainable and are straining the city's police department, which has only 600 officers.
• Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation. — The Minnesota National Guard, wearing neon vests to distinguish themselves from federal agents, distributed doughnuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anti-ICE protesters, signaling their alignment with community opposition to federal immigration enforcement operations.
• ICE and Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On January 25, 2026, Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows Pretti was filming police with his phone when agents initiated contact. He was not holding or brandishing his firearm; agents disarmed him while he was on the ground. After disarmament, agents fired 10 shots total—4 initially (3 to the back) and 6 additional shots while Pretti lay motionless. Pretti was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois with no criminal record, a valid concealed carry permit, and had participated in protests against ICE operations. A nearby physician found agents counting bullet wounds rather than performing CPR. The incident occurred during a broader ICE surge in Minneapolis that has generated widespread controversy and calls for investigation.
• Federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, during ICE Minneapolis operation — Federal ICE and Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis over the weekend. Initial regime narratives claimed Pretti was a domestic terrorist who approached agents with a firearm and reacted violently. Video evidence contradicted this account, showing Pretti was legally carrying a permitted firearm, not brandishing it, and was attempting to render aid to a woman pepper-sprayed by federal agents. After agents removed his gun and beat him, he was shot at point-blank range with at least 10 shots while helpless on the ground.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On Saturday morning in Minneapolis, federal ICE officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, during a large-scale immigration enforcement crackdown. Video evidence showed Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon, while attempting to assist another person who had been pepper-sprayed. Officers pushed him to the ground, beat him, and shot him multiple times at close range. Pretti was licensed to carry a firearm but there is no indication he was holding or threatening officers with one. The incident represents one of several violent and fatal incidents during the ICE Minneapolis operation.
• DHS report on Alex Pretti shooting released; two CBP agents discharged firearms — On January 26, 2026, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was killed by federal officers during the "Operation Metro Surge" enforcement action in Minneapolis. The shooting prompted a response from major Minnesota corporations, who released a joint letter on January 25 calling for "deescalation" but offering no specific policy demands or explicit condemnation of the killings.
• Federal immigration agents fatally shoot Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti during enforcement operation — The Department of Homeland Security released an initial investigation report to Congress indicating that two Customs and Border Protection officers discharged their firearms at Alex Pretti during a fatal shooting in Minneapolis on January 27. The report states that during an attempted custody operation, Pretti resisted and a struggle ensued, after which a border patrol agent and a CBP officer each fired their service weapons. The report confirms video evidence of Pretti assisting a woman confronted by agents and notes that a firearm was recovered from Pretti's possession.
• ICE agents attack US citizen Maria during immigration enforcement operation in Salem, Oregon — On an unspecified date in January 2026, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at Minneapolis VA Medical Center, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Pretti was filming the agents when he was tackled, disarmed, and fatally shot. Trump administration officials falsely claimed Pretti "brandished" a gun and labeled him a "would-be assassin," but bystander video evidence shows Pretti holding only a phone and having been disarmed before shots were fired. The shooting represents the second fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis that month.
• — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents pulled a US citizen named Maria from her vehicle in Salem, Oregon, after boxing in her car and smashing the window. Agents threw her to the ground and left her without medical care until discovering her US passport. Maria, a homecare worker and SEIU Local 503 member, sustained a concussion and bruised ribs. The incident prompted unions to raise nearly $20,000 for her support and sparked broader labor movement response to ICE enforcement surge.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced $170 billion immigration enforcement expansion — The Trump administration announced plans to expand immigration enforcement in 2026 with $170 billion in funding, including workplace raids, expanded detention facilities, and deportation processing infrastructure. Implementation is scheduled to begin in January 2026 despite opposition from business groups, faith organizations, and civil rights advocates. The announcement was released during the holiday period.
• Trump Administration Announces $170 Billion Immigration Enforcement Expansion — The Trump administration announced a $170 billion plan to expand immigration enforcement starting in January 2026. The plan includes workplace raids, expanded detention facilities, and deportation processing infrastructure. This move has faced opposition from business groups, faith organizations, and civil rights advocates, who argue it represents a long-term shift in immigration policy.
• Administration announced $170 billion immigration enforcement expansion — The administration announced a $170 billion expansion of immigration enforcement infrastructure beginning in January, described as permanent rather than temporary. The expansion includes new detention facilities, expanded workplace raid capacity, and deportation processing at unprecedented scales.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts directive to deploy troops to Portland — On September 27, Trump's social media account posted a directive to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect ICE facilities from what Trump characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The post was based on Trump's assertion that Portland was a "war ravaged" city plagued by "anarchists" and "crazy people," claims contradicted by local officials and reporting.
• Trump directed troop deployment to Portland, Oregon — On September 27, Trump announced via Truth Social that he directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, which he baselessly called "War ravaged" and "under siege" by antifa. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded that "the number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city." The deployment was presented without evidence of the claimed crisis.
• Trump directed military deployment to Portland with authorization for full force — President Trump posted that he was directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide troops to protect the ICE facility in Portland and "any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists," and authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The order came after Trump claimed the facility was under siege, but Senator Ron Wyden posted a video showing the ICE facility with no people present.
• Trump announced deployment of federal troops to Portland — Trump announced on Truth Social that he is directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to protect against what he characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "full force, if necessary." Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson both rejected the deployment, stating there is no insurrection or threat to national security warranting military presence in the city.

Supporting reports

• Presidential Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenses — The President issued a proclamation granting pardons and commuting sentences for individuals convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. The proclamation commutes sentences to time served for specific individuals and grants full pardons to others. The Attorney General is directed to issue certificates of pardon and ensure the release of those currently imprisoned. Pending indictments related to the events are to be dismissed with prejudice.
• Biden commutes life sentence of Leonard Peltier — President Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist convicted of the 1975 murder of two FBI agents. Peltier, who is 80 years old and in poor health, will serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. The commutation was supported by various groups, including Tribal Nations and human rights organizations, due to Peltier's age, health, and the length of his imprisonment. Peltier has maintained his innocence, and his case has been criticized for prosecutorial misconduct and withheld evidence.
• Biden issues last-minute pardons — Former President Joe Biden issued last-minute pardons to several individuals, including family members, former officials, and members of the January 6 Capitol attack investigative committee. The pardons were intended to protect these individuals from potential retribution by the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Biden emphasized that the pardons should not be seen as an admission of guilt. The move has sparked criticism from both political sides, with concerns about the implications of preemptive pardons and their potential to undermine the rule of law.
• Biden issues pre-emptive pardons to politicians and family members — On the last day of his presidency, Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to several politicians, public servants, and family members. This included figures like Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, Liz Cheney, and Adam Kinzinger, as well as members of the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack. Biden's family members, including his brothers and sister, were also pardoned. The pardons were issued to protect these individuals from potential "revenge" prosecutions by the incoming Trump administration.
• Trump issued over 1,600 clemency acts since second term, bypassing standard review process; at least a dozen beneficiaries arrested for subsequent crimes — President Trump has granted clemency to more than 1,600 people since taking office in his second term, most for January 6 Capitol rioters, without following the traditional Justice Department review process. Legal experts note that at least a dozen clemency recipients have been arrested for separate crimes after their release, including individuals convicted of child exploitation, burglary, theft, and assault. Trump reportedly bypassed the Office of the Pardon Attorney review, issuing 1,500 pardons on his first day in office. Experts argue this approach undermines the rule of law and signals to recipients that their original conduct was acceptable.
• Trump issues 1,500 pardons over January 6 attack — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump issued "full, complete and unconditional" presidential pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This action fulfilled a campaign promise made by Trump during his second presidential term. The pardons included individuals convicted of violent acts during the insurrection. Trump also commuted sentences for more than a dozen cases and directed the Department of Justice to dismiss all pending indictments related to the January 6 events. The move has been criticized by democracy advocacy groups as an affront to the rule of law.
• Trump issues mass pardons and commutations for January 6 Capitol attack defendants — On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted "full, complete and unconditional" pardons to approximately 1,500 people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack, including those convicted of violent acts. He also issued sentence-shortening commutations for more than a dozen cases and directed the Department of Justice to dismiss all pending indictments related to the attack. Former Capitol attack prosecutor Greg Rosen resigned and criticized the pardons as sending "a terrible message" that political violence toward political goals is acceptable in a democratic society.
• Trump pardoned January 6 attackers — On January 20, Donald Trump issued unconditional pardons to 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including Emily Hernandez. Hernandez had previously served 30 days in federal prison for her role in the attack. The pardons were part of Trump's actions at the start of his second presidency. This clemency has been criticized for potentially encouraging violence in support of Trump, as noted by California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff.
• Trump pardoned January 6 rioters — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump, after retaking the presidency, issued a mass clemency for over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including Matthew Huttle. This act of clemency was criticized by various groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, who argued that such pardons undermine the rule of law and public safety. The pardons have led to further legal issues for some of the recipients, including Huttle, who was later involved in a fatal encounter with law enforcement.
• Trump pardons January 6 insurrectionists — President Donald Trump issued pardons, commuted sentences, or dismissed cases for over 1,500 individuals charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This sweeping action included more than 250 people convicted of assault charges, some of whom attacked police officers. The pardons have sparked controversy, with some Republican senators condemning the move, while others have supported it. Police unions expressed disappointment, and the pardons are seen as a loyalty test for the Republican party.
• Trump pardons January 6 rioter Andrew Taake — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump announced and signed pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol. This decision was made during his inauguration ceremony and was part of a broader set of executive actions aimed at reversing Biden-era policies. The pardons were presented as a gesture of support for those Trump referred to as "J6 hostages," conflating them with other hostages held abroad.
• Trump pardons January 6 rioters — Former President Donald Trump issued a pardon for Andrew Taake, a convicted participant in the January 6 Capitol attack, at the start of his second presidency. Taake had been sentenced to prison for assaulting police officers during the insurrection. Despite the pardon, Taake faced unresolved charges related to soliciting a minor, which were filed before the Capitol attack. His release from federal prison was part of a controversial blanket pardon for 1,500 individuals involved in the insurrection.
• Trump signs executive orders pardoning January 6 convicts — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump, upon retaking the presidency, issued blanket pardons or commutations to 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. This decision has faced bipartisan criticism, particularly from law enforcement organizations, for undermining accountability and the rule of law. The pardons were a key campaign promise by Trump during his bid to return to the Oval Office. The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have publicly condemned the pardons.
• Trump pardoned Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and commuted Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes's sentence — On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including granting full pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of charges related to the January 6 Capitol attack. This move was part of a broader set of actions taken by Trump to assert control over the federal government and reshape the executive branch according to his agenda. The pardons were issued during a signing ceremony at the US Capitol, marking a significant and controversial use of presidential power.
• Trump issued pardons and commutations for Capitol insurrection participants — Upon taking office in 2025, Trump pardoned Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who had been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack intended to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump also commuted the sentence of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes to time served, releasing him from prison after Rhodes had been sentenced to 18 years for his role in the same attack.
• Trump issued proclamation commuting sentences and pardoning January 6 Capitol riot participants — On his first day as president, Trump issued sweeping pardons and commutations for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. In the presidential action, Trump characterized the pardons and commutations as ending "a grave national injustice," effectively reversing criminal accountability for participants in the violent attack on the Capitol building that disrupted the peaceful transfer of power.
• Trump pardons Jan. 6 rioters — President Trump issued a proclamation on January 20, 2025, commuting the sentences of 14 individuals convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot to time served, and granting full pardons to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to those events. The proclamation directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of pardon immediately, release all such individuals from prison, and pursue dismissal with prejudice of all pending indictments related to January 6 conduct.
• Approximately 1,500 January 6 defendants pardoned or commuted at start of 2025 term — On January 20, 2025, President Trump pardoned more than 1,200 convicted Jan. 6 rioters, including the leader of the Proud Boys, and commuted the sentence of the leader of the Oath Keepers. He also directed the Justice Department to drop 300 pending cases related to the 2021 insurrection. These actions have been criticized for undermining the rule of law and accountability for the insurrection.
• Trump commuted sentences of Proud Boys and Oathkeepers leaders — The Trump administration pardoned or commuted approximately 1,500 defendants charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, including high-profile leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy. The action occurred at the start of the 2025 term and was documented through reporting roundups and case coverage.
• Trump commuted sentences of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht — Donald Trump commuted the sentences of leaders from the Proud Boys and Oathkeepers, as well as individuals involved in violent acts against police officers during the January 6th Capitol riot. This decision has sparked significant backlash from law enforcement and political figures, who view it as undermining the rule of law and justice for those who attacked officers.
• Trump issued pardons and commutations for January 6 defendants — Donald Trump commuted the two life sentences of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. Ulbricht's platform was known for facilitating illegal drug transactions globally. The commutation of his sentence raises concerns about the message it sends regarding cybercrime and drug trafficking.
• Trump issues pardons for January 6 defendants — On January 20, 2025, Trump issued pardons for offenders and commutations related to the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump directed the DOJ to dismiss cases currently in progress. Trump stated he pardoned approximately 1,500 defendants charged in the January 6 attack and issued six commutations. Trump made pardoning January 6 defendants a core campaign promise, featuring prisoners singing the national anthem at rallies. DOJ investigations into January 6 crimes are expected to cease.
• Trump plans mass pardons for January 6 defendants — President Donald Trump issued pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. He also directed the Department of Justice to dismiss ongoing cases. This action fulfills a campaign promise and is expected to halt federal investigations into the events of January 6.
• Trump signs executive orders pardoning January 6 rioters — Donald Trump has promised to begin reviewing cases for pardons of January 6 defendants within the first nine minutes of his presidency. With over 1,580 defendants charged and 1,270 convicted, this could represent one of the largest mass pardons in American history. Many potential recipients have already completed their sentences, making some pardons largely symbolic.
• Trump pardons Enrique Tarrio for January 6 role — Donald Trump, in his second term as US president, signed executive orders granting "full, complete and unconditional" pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 attack on Congress. This includes rightwing extremists convicted of seditious conspiracy. The pardons were part of a series of executive actions taken by Trump upon his return to the White House. The move has been criticized as an insult to the justice system and those who defended the Capitol.
• Trump grants full pardon to Andrew Zabavsky for January 6 Capitol riot convictions — Former President Donald Trump issued pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. This decision has been met with criticism from law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, who argue that it undermines accountability and could embolden future acts of violence against law enforcement.
• Trump grants full pardon to Terence Sutton for January 6 convictions — Former President Donald Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Tarrio, who was released from prison on January 22, 2025, expressed gratitude to Trump, stating that the pardon "literally gave me my life back." Tarrio's release and pardon have emboldened far-right militia groups, who are now regrouping and planning their next steps. The pardons have sparked concern among law enforcement officers who were involved in the January 6 cases, fearing for their safety.
• Trump issues pardon for DC police officers — President Donald Trump commuted the sentences of or pardoned all individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This action was met with mixed reactions, including disapproval from some Republican lawmakers and the D.C. Police Union, which expressed dismay over the pardons. The move signals Trump's intent to support his base while undermining the judicial system's accountability efforts.
• Executive Order on AI Leadership — President Trump issued an executive grant of clemency on January 22, 2025, granting Andrew Zabavsky a full and unconditional pardon for convictions in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Zabavsky was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy) and § 1512 (obstruction), sentenced on September 12, 2024, to 48 months imprisonment on each count (concurrent), 3 years supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. The pardon nullifies the sentence and conviction.
• Trump issued pardons for January 6 participants — President Trump issued an executive grant of clemency on January 22, 2025, granting a full and unconditional pardon to Terence Sutton. Sutton had been convicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on charges including violations of D.C. Code § 2103, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy), and 18 U.S.C. § 1512 (obstruction of justice). He was sentenced on September 12, 2024, to concurrent sentences totaling 66 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $300 special assessment. The pardon erases the conviction and sentence.
• Trump issues pardons for January 6 participants — President Trump issued a "full and unconditional pardon" on January 22, 2025, to two DC police officers involved in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown. This action has sparked controversy and raised concerns about accountability and the message it sends regarding police conduct.
• Trump issues pardons for January 6 rioters — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14179 on January 23, 2025, to remove barriers to American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). The order revokes existing AI policies that hinder innovation and mandates the development of an action plan to sustain and enhance U.S. global AI dominance. It also requires a review and potential revision of policies inconsistent with this new directive.
• — Former President Donald Trump issued "full, complete and unconditional" pardons for 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the decision while others, like Pamela Hemphill, have refused to accept the pardon. Hemphill, who was arrested for her involvement in the attack, insists on taking responsibility for her actions and plans to file a letter of rejection for the pardon.
• — Former President Donald Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. The pardons were criticized by federal judges, who described them as based on a "revisionist myth" and incapable of erasing the violence and terror of the event. The pardons have caused division within the Republican Party, with some members supporting the move and others, like Mitch McConnell, condemning it. The pardons were issued as one of Trump's first acts upon taking office.
• — Trump decided to pardon or commute the sentences of all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 riots, including those who attacked police officers. This decision has sparked controversy and concern, particularly from law enforcement groups and victims of the riots. Critics argue that this undermines the rule of law and public safety. Jackson Reffitt, a key witness against his father, expressed fear for his safety now that his father is free.
• — President Donald Trump, in an interview, defended his pardons for January 6 rioters, downplaying the violence against police officers during the Capitol attack. Approximately 600 rioters faced charges related to assaulting law enforcement, with ten convicted of sedition. Trump's actions have drawn criticism from federal judges who emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. The pardons have sparked discussions among pardoned rioters about running for office, indicating a potential shift in political dynamics.
• — President Donald Trump issued pardons for nearly two dozen individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot, claiming the violence against police was minor. This action has drawn criticism from federal judges and has implications for ongoing legal proceedings against other defendants. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly emphasized that pardons do not alter the historical record of the events of January 6.