Trump’s actions also effectively closed the largest investigation in the history of the Justice Department, with over 300 pending cases dismissed.
Prosecutors filed motions to drop charges en-masse, a move met with both relief from defendants and dismay from most Democrats.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, stating, “President Trump campaigned on this promise. It should come as no surprise that he delivered on it on Day One.”
Law Banning TikTok: Service Restored After US Ban Takes Effect
High-Profile Releases
Among those benefiting from Trump’s clemency were several prominent figures. Stewart Rhodes, the former leader of the Oath Keepers militia, had his 18-year sentence commuted and was released shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Rhodes had been convicted of plotting to use force against Congress and stockpiling weapons in a nearby Virginia hotel.
While his sentence was commuted, Rhodes remains subject to restrictions, including a firearm ban.
