Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy by urging President Joe Biden to extend clemency to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump’s remarks came shortly after Biden issued a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, sparking widespread backlash and reigniting debates over the use of presidential pardons.
On Truth Social, Trump referred to the January 6 defendants as “hostages,” claiming they have been unfairly imprisoned for years. His call for their inclusion in Biden’s pardons has fueled a polarized response across the political spectrum, with critics accusing him of deflecting from his role in the events of that day and supporters praising him for standing up for those they see as political prisoners.
Trump’s Stance Draws Mixed Reactions
Trump’s comments align with his long-standing defense of those charged for their participation in the January 6 attack, which left a lasting stain on his presidency. More than 1,000 individuals have faced charges ranging from trespassing to seditious conspiracy. Many are serving lengthy prison sentences.
The Biden administration, however, has shown no intention of granting clemency to January 6 defendants. Legal experts note that such a move would be highly controversial and could set a dangerous precedent by equating political dissent with violent insurrection.
Hunter Biden’s Pardon Sparks Backlash
Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter, who faced federal tax and gun-related charges, has become a lightning rod for criticism. Republicans accuse Biden of using his power to shield his family from accountability, despite his earlier promises to respect judicial processes.
House Republicans have already launched inquiries into what they describe as “unprecedented misuse” of the pardon power, further straining relations in an already divided Congress. Trump’s comments have added fuel to the fire, amplifying Republican claims of a double standard in Biden’s approach to justice.
Online Reactions Highlight Partisan Divide
Trump’s call for the pardon of January 6 defendants has sparked heated online debate, with netizens expressing a range of opinions:
- @JusticePatriot: “Finally, someone has the courage to call them what they are: political prisoners! #FreeTheHostages”
- @BlueWaveNow: “Trump is the reason they’re in prison to begin with. Now he wants Biden to clean up his mess?”
- @TruthSeeker88: “If Hunter gets a pass, so should the peaceful protesters from January 6. Fair is fair.”
- @ResistTrump24: “This is absolutely disgusting. Trump is trying to rewrite history and glorify an insurrection.”
- @MAGA4Life: “Trump 2024! We need a president who cares about Americans abandoned by their own government.”
- @EqualJustice66: “Biden pardoning Hunter while ignoring January 6 defendants shows the hypocrisy of this administration.”


U.S. Signals Potential Venezuela Sanctions Relief to Boost Oil Sales and IMF Re-Engagement
Myanmar Military-Run Election Draws Criticism as Voters Head to Polls Amid Ongoing Conflict
ICJ to Hear Landmark Genocide Case Against Myanmar Over Rohingya Crisis
South Korea Investigates Alleged Civilian Drone Flights Into North Korean Airspace
UK and NATO Allies Hold Routine Talks on Arctic Security Amid Greenland Deployment Reports
Jimmy Lai Faces Sentencing as Hong Kong Security Trial Nears Conclusion
Trump Weighs Military and Diplomatic Options as Protests Intensify in Iran
Trump Reignites Greenland Takeover Claims, Citing U.S. Security and NATO Tensions
DHS Sends Hundreds More Officers to Minnesota After ICE Shooting Sparks Nationwide Protests
Trump Tightens Pressure on Cuba as Venezuelan Oil Supplies Halt
Bangladesh Signals Willingness to Join International Stabilization Force in Gaza
Trump Considers Starlink to Restore Internet Access in Iran Amid Protests
Vitol to Ship First U.S. Naphtha Cargo to Venezuela Under New Oil Supply Deal
Nicaragua Frees Political Prisoners Amid Growing U.S. Pressure on Latin American Governments
Markets React as Tensions Rise Between White House and Federal Reserve Over Interest Rate Pressure
Trump Signs Executive Order to Protect Venezuelan Oil Revenue Held in U.S. Accounts
G7 Finance Ministers to Meet in Washington on Critical Minerals Supply Chains 



