United States President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to review the cases of individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, potentially issuing pardons as one of his first actions upon taking office on January 20.
In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump condemned the conditions under which the convicts are reportedly held, describing their treatment as “hell.”
“These people are living in hell,” Trump stated. “They’ve been in there for years, and they’re in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn’t even be allowed to be open. First day, we’ll look at independent cases.”
This marks Trump’s first televised interview since his election victory in November, during which he outlined plans to issue sweeping executive orders targeting immigration, energy, and economic policies immediately after his inauguration.
Trump reiterated his controversial pledge to end birthright citizenship, which automatically grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
“We’re going to have to get it changed. We’ll maybe have to go back to the people. But we have to end it,” Trump said, advocating for the reinterpretation or repeal of the 14th Amendment.
He also vowed to intensify efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, including those with US citizen family members. However, he hinted at measures to mitigate family separations.
Addressing the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers, Trump expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on a potential solution.
“Some of these immigrants have good jobs and businesses. I will work with the Democrats on a plan,” he remarked.
Trump’s comments on prosecuting political opponents have fueled debate. While he criticized members of the Democratic-led committee that investigated the Capitol riot, calling for their imprisonment, he also suggested a focus on moving forward.
“I’m not looking to go back into the past. I’m looking to make our country successful,” he said. However, he added, “If [political opponents] were crooked, if they did something wrong, if they have broken the law, probably [they should be investigated].”
This statement came amid speculation over outgoing President Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, and potential further pardons for political allies. Trump indicated he might not immediately pursue investigations into the Biden family but left the door open.
Trump’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, a prominent member of the Capitol riot investigation committee.
“His remarks are a continuation of his assault on the foundations of our republic,” Cheney said, accusing Trump of undermining the rule of law.
As Trump prepares to assume the presidency, his promises of swift executive action and potential retribution highlight the deep divisions in Washington. With contentious issues like immigration reform, Capitol riot pardons, and investigations into political adversaries, Trump’s administration is poised for a turbulent and polarised start.
