What A Day: Trump's Jan 6 Pardons Re-Energize Far-Right Groups – January 23, 2025

In this compelling episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the ramifications of former President Donald Trump's unprecedented pardons of nearly 1,600 individuals implicated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. The episode meticulously examines how these pardons have reignited and reshaped far-right extremist groups in the United States, drawing insights from expert Tess Owen, a freelance reporter specializing in extremism and politics.

1. Trump's Mass Pardons and Commutations

The episode opens with Jane Coaston detailing President Trump's sweeping executive action, which granted full, unconditional pardons to approximately 1,600 supporters convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol breach. Additionally, 14 individuals received commutations of their sentences, effectively reducing their prison terms without pardoning their actions.

Key Points:

• Scope of Pardons: Nearly 1,600 pardoned individuals, with 14 others receiving sentence commutations.
• Affected Groups: Predominantly members of far-right militia organizations, specifically the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.
• Notable Figures:
  • Stuart Rhodes (Founder of the Oath Keepers): Originally sentenced to 18 years, Rhodes had his sentence commuted and publicly thanked Trump, propagating unfounded narratives about the Capitol events. At [00:02], Rhodes is quoted as stating, “Most people that went inside, they walked in through doors already opened by somebody else.”
  • Enrique Tarrio (Chairman of the Proud Boys): Facing a 22-year sentence, Tarrio received a full pardon and publicly appeared alongside conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, expressing no remorse. At [02:13], he remarked, “I'm happy that the president's focusing not on retribution and focusing on success, but I will tell you that I'm not going to play by those rules.”

2. Immediate Reactions from Far-Right Groups

The pardons have been met with elation within far-right circles, reinforcing their narratives of victimization and justifying further radicalization.

Notable Reactions:

• Jacob Anthony Chansley (QAnon Shaman): Upon his release, Chansley tweeted his intention to “buy some motherfucking guns” ([02:30]), signaling a potential escalation in armed extremism.
• Congresswoman Lauren Boebert: Expressed support for the pardoned rioters, stating her willingness to offer them “a guided tour in the Capitol tonight” ([03:07]).

3. Expert Insights with Tess Owen

Jane Coaston interviews Tess Owen, a freelance reporter focused on extremism and politics, to unpack the broader implications of Trump's pardons on far-right movements and political stability.

Discussion Highlights:

• Legal Background of Convicted Individuals ([03:55]):

  • Seditious Conspiracy Charges: Several Proud Boys leaders, including Enrique Tarrio and Ethan Nordean, were convicted under these serious charges.
  • Assault on Police: Many rioters faced charges related to prolonged assaults on Capitol Police using various improvised weapons.

• Impact on Extremist Movements ([05:01]):

  • Vindication and Desire for Retribution: Owen explains that many within the movement feel vindicated by the pardons and are now seeking revenge against perceived adversaries, including FBI agents and prosecutors.
  • **"We want to go after the people who did this to us" ([05:01]).

• Current State of Far-Right Groups ([07:34]):

  • Proud Boys: Transitioning from large-scale public demonstrations to smaller, hyperlocal activism. Leadership vacuums and internal conflicts have slightly fragmented the group.
  • Oath Keepers: With key leaders like Tarrio pardoned and reintegrated, their cohesiveness has diminished, but the overall movement remains a significant concern.

• National Sentiment and Public Reaction ([06:58]):

  • Numbness and Resignation: Owen notes a general sense of apathy or resignation among the broader public regarding the pardons, citing diminished outrage compared to earlier reactions during Trump’s presidency.
  • **"People are a bit numb" ([06:58]).

• Future Threats and Radicalization ([10:17]):

  • Increased Entrenchment: Incarcerated individuals have become more radicalized during their imprisonment, deepening anti-government sentiments.
  • Potential for Further Violence: The release of these individuals may lead to heightened risks of future political violence.

4. Broader Political and Social Implications

Beyond the immediate reactions from extremist groups, the episode touches upon broader political maneuvers and their potential impacts on American society.

Key Issues Discussed:

• Refugee Policy Overhauls ([16:48]):

  • Executive Order Suspension: Trump’s suspension of the U.S. refugee admissions program has left over 1,600 Afghans stranded, reversing Biden administration efforts to resettle nearly 200,000 Afghans.
  • Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Families of U.S. service members, Afghan military personnel, and others at risk are particularly affected.

• Legislative Actions on Immigration ([19:03]):

  • Lake and Riley Act: House Republicans passed legislation mandating ICE to detain undocumented immigrants charged with specific non-violent crimes. Despite bipartisan support, critics label it an unfunded mandate with significant financial implications.
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Support: Greene fervently backed the bill, emphasizing a hardline stance against illegal immigration ([19:03]).

• Suppression of Health Communications ([19:21]):

  • Blockade of Federal Health Agencies: The Trump administration has restricted external communications from agencies like the CDC and FDA, potentially hindering public awareness of health risks such as bird flu ([19:21]).
  • Withdrawal from WHO: An executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization further isolates the country from global health collaborations.

5. Reflections and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring impact of January 6 and the path forward for both extremist groups and the broader American political landscape.

Final Thoughts:

• Control Over January 6 Narrative ([11:25]): There has been a relentless battle over the true narrative of the Capitol riot, with Trump's pardons reinforcing a version that portrays the rioters as unjustly persecuted heroes standing up against a corrupt establishment.
• Ongoing Threat to Democracy: The normalization and support of pardoned extremists pose significant threats to democratic institutions and societal stability.

Conclusion

Jane Coaston's thorough analysis in this episode of What A Day underscores the profound and multifaceted repercussions of Trump's pardons on America's political and social fabric. By granting clemency to a vast number of January 6 participants, Trump has not only emboldened far-right factions but also complicated the nation's efforts to heal and prevent future extremism. The episode serves as a crucial exploration of how executive actions can have long-lasting and potentially destabilizing effects on democratic institutions and societal norms.

Notable Quotes:

• Stuart Rhodes ([00:02]): “Most people that went inside, they walked in through doors already opened by somebody else.”
• Enrique Tarrio ([02:13]): “I'm happy that the president's focusing not on retribution and focusing on success, but I will tell you that I'm not going to play by those rules.”
• Jacob Anthony Chansley ([02:30]): “Now I am gonna buy some motherfucking guns.”
• Marjorie Taylor Greene ([19:03]): “I certainly hope we do open as many prisons as possible to round up as many illegal aliens that have invaded our country and those that are breaking our laws, killing our citizens, women and children and causing complete havoc across our great land.”

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. For a deeper dive into each topic, tuning into the full episode of What A Day is highly recommended.