Trump Defends Riot Pardons, Floats Role for Proud Boys in Politics/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ On his first full day back in office, President Donald Trump defended pardons for January 6 rioters, including Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. Trump described their sentences as excessive and suggested extremist groups could have a place in politics. His sweeping actions included firings, DEI rollbacks, and unveiling a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative.
Trump’s First Day in Office: Quick Looks
- Capitol Riot Pardons: Over 1,500 pardons, including 200 for police attackers, spark backlash.
- Extremist Groups in Politics: Trump suggests Proud Boys and Oath Keepers might have political roles.
- Diversity Rollbacks: DEI staff placed on leave, training canceled, and programs dismantled.
- AI Investment Announced: Trump joins tech leaders to unveil a $500 billion AI project in Texas.
- Leadership Changes: Over 1,000 presidential appointees fired, signaling a drastic administrative shift.
Trump Defends Riot Pardons, Floats Role for Proud Boys in Politics
Deep Look
President Donald Trump’s first full day back in office was marked by bold and polarizing moves, including high-profile pardons, administrative overhauls, and ambitious policy announcements. Here’s a closer look at his actions and their implications.
Pardons for Capitol Rioters
Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals, including more than 200 convicted of assaulting police during the January 6 Capitol attack. Among them was Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who had been serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy.
Trump defended the decision, calling the sentences “ridiculous and excessive” and describing the rioters as patriots who “love our country.”
Law enforcement groups, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, strongly condemned the pardons, stating that the individuals should serve their full sentences for attacking officers.
When asked about the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers potentially entering politics, Trump remarked, “We have to see. They’ve been given a pardon.”
Diversity Programs Dismantled
In a sweeping rollback of President Joe Biden’s policies, Trump placed all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff on paid leave, with plans for layoffs. DEI trainings and programs were immediately canceled. This move aligns with Trump’s broader effort to reverse initiatives he views as divisive or unnecessary.
AI Infrastructure Investment
Amid the controversies, Trump highlighted a groundbreaking $500 billion AI infrastructure project called Stargate. Announced alongside tech leaders from Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, the initiative aims to build data centers and energy resources to advance AI development. Construction has begun in Texas, and the project promises significant economic and technological benefits.
Firings and Administrative Overhaul
True to his style, Trump fired over 1,000 presidential appointees, including retired Gen. Mark Milley and humanitarian chef José Andrés. The firings were announced on Truth Social with Trump’s signature phrase, “YOU’RE FIRED!” While some claimed they had already resigned, Trump’s actions underscored his intent to reshape the government swiftly.
Contentious Remarks at Prayer Service
During an interfaith national prayer service, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde called on Trump to show compassion for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants. Trump dismissed the event, saying, “Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service.”
Meeting with GOP Leadership
Trump convened with Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to discuss priorities like tax cuts, disaster aid, and regulatory reform. The meeting included plans for potential recess appointments to expedite Trump’s Cabinet confirmations, signaling a readiness to bypass Senate gridlock.
Future Implications
Trump’s actions on his first day in office reflect his intent to reshape Washington and implement his vision for the nation. From pardons to policy rollbacks, his decisions have already sparked significant debate and set the tone for a polarizing term.
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