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Attorney Norm Pattis, representing Rhodes and others, downplayed concerns that the clemency would fuel political violence. “Our politics has always been violent,” Pattis remarked. “Violence is the norm in this country.”

Mixed Reactions in Courtrooms

The pardons also caused abrupt disruptions in ongoing legal proceedings.

The trial of Kenneth Fuller and his son Caleb, who faced felony charges related to obstructing police, was dismissed on Tuesday.

Federal judges, some of whom were Trump appointees, expressed frustration over the blanket clemency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols previously described the prospect of such pardons as “beyond frustrating.”

Speaking to reporters, Caleb Fuller celebrated his release. “I’m a free man now,” he declared. Fuller maintained that he had not witnessed any violence during the riot, stating, “I didn’t see anyone get hurt. Everyone around me is deserving of a pardon.”

Trump Executive Orders 

Trump’s inauguration day was not solely defined by pardons. He signed nearly 100 executive orders signaling dramatic policy shifts. Key actions included:

• Launching a crackdown on immigration.
• Withdrawing support for wind power and electric vehicles while expanding oil drilling in the Arctic and offshore areas.
• Pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization.
• Delaying the ban on TikTok, which had been scheduled to take effect on Sunday.
• Required the nation's flags fly high to mark his inauguration, despite them being lowered for 30 days to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter.

These decisions reflect Trump’s commitment to reversing many of the policies implemented during the Biden administration. His actions on climate and energy, in particular, have already drawn criticism from environmental advocates.

Biden’s Final Acts

As Trump’s executive orders dominated headlines, outgoing President Joe Biden made news of his own. 

In his final hours in office, Biden issued pre-emptive pardons for five members of his family.

Biden also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House committee that held hearings on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol,

 This move followed his earlier pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who faced tax fraud and firearms charges. Biden had previously pledged not to pardon his son, making his last-minute actions a contentious conclusion to his presidency.

A Start to a New Era

Trump’s inauguration day actions set the tone for what promises to be a tumultuous presidency. His decisions to grant sweeping pardons and implement controversial policies have already polarized the nation.