Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) harshly criticized President Donald Trump on Monday following his decision to pardon nearly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the deadly January 6, 2021, insurrection. Among those pardoned were individuals convicted of assaulting police officers, as well as members of far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Pelosi called the move “an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who suffered physical scars and emotional trauma as they protected the Capitol, the Congress, and the Constitution.”
“It is shameful that the President has decided to make one of his top priorities the abandonment and betrayal of police officers who put their lives on the line to stop an attempt to subvert the peaceful transfer of power,” Pelosi added.
The January 6 attack saw thousands of pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Pelosi, a prominent target of the mob’s ire, had to be evacuated due to threats against her life.
Despite the clear danger posed to lawmakers and law enforcement on that day, Trump has repeatedly referred to those charged as “hostages.” Justifying his actions, Trump stated that his pardons “end a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation.” He also directed the Justice Department to dismiss all pending indictments related to the January 6 events.
Pelosi, who skipped Trump’s inauguration on Monday, strongly disagreed with the characterization. She emphasized the harm caused to Capitol police and democracy itself, noting the lasting trauma endured by officers who defended the building.
While Pelosi’s statement reflects the deep divisions over the January 6 accountability, Trump’s decision has drawn both condemnation and praise from across the political spectrum. Critics, including Pelosi, argue the pardons undermine the justice system, while Trump supporters claim the move is a step toward healing national wounds.
As Trump begins his second term, his decision to prioritize the pardons underscores the ongoing battle over the legacy and consequences of January 6, ensuring the day remains a contentious flashpoint in American political discourse.