Morning Briefing: Far Right Celebrates Trump's Pardons of Capitol Rioters
The far right responded with unrestrained exultation to President Donald Trump's pardons and commutations of the Capitol rioters: 'I would die for Donald Trump.'

Morning Briefing: President Donald Trump issued pardons to “all of the nearly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021,” and “issued commutations for more than a dozen cases, shortening sentences for those that he said needed ‘further research’.”
However, the majority of Americans “oppose pardons for those convicted of organizing and directing violence on January 6th,” and believe that “pardoning people who took part in political violence will encourage more of the same,” according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Protect Democracy United.
Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the far right violent extremists group the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, former leader of the far right militia group the Oath Keepers, have reportedly “been released from prison,” and the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced that it had “released all of the more than 200 people in its custody for Jan. 6 crimes.”
Ali Alexander, an organizer of the “Stop the Steal” campaign, celebrated Trump’s pardons of the Capitol rioters, and said that he “would storm the Capitol again for Donald Trump,” and “I would start a militia for Donald Trump. I dare say I'd — I would die for Donald Trump.”
Ed Martin, a prominent figure in the “Stop the Steal” campaign, is reportedly “serving as acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and filing motions to dismiss indictments against the rioters.”
Stew Peters, the antisemitic White Nationalist and conspiracy theorist, was among several far right figures that denounced President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons for several individuals including Dr. Anthony Fauci, and called for the prosecution of the former head of the NIH: “deserves to be put on trial for crimes against humanity, and if convicted, sentenced to DEATH!”
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David Gilbert writes that “as President Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, grifters and opportunists were already seeking to cash in on the new Trump era—including the president himself. Just days before he took office, Trump launched a memecoin called $TRUMP to ‘celebrate our win and have fun,’ warning that it was ‘not intended to be … an investment opportunity.’ Trump announced the launch on X and Truth Social, with many wondering if the president’s accounts had been hacked. However, within hours, thousands had invested in the cryptocurrency. The sale was so successful that, at billions of dollars, it accounted for almost 90% of Trump’s overall wealth. However, like a lot of memecoins, the $TRUMP coin’s price fluctuated wildly and dipped significantly on Sunday, with the price drop continuing into Monday.” [Wired]
Anthea Butler writes that “for MAGA clergy and religious figures standing with Trump, his inauguration will be the culmination of their earnest prayers, rallies and political participation after their appeals to Christian nationalism, faith and fear. But they may get more than they bargained for. After the congratulations and backslapping will come the reality of what Trump has promised to do as president. While I am sure they believe his policies won’t hurt them any, perhaps they should think again. Trump, who has promised to begin mass deportations immediately, has also vowed to rescind the ‘sensitive locations’ memo that generally keeps Immigration and Customs Enforcement from going into places like churches, schools, hospitals and even funerals to complete an enforcement action. What happens when ICE invades churches and schools? How will religious leaders who support Trump rationalize that? Will they side with the administration, or will they heed the admonitions of their faith that prompt them to care for those less fortunate?” [MSNBC]
Tim Dickinson writes that “the Oath Keepers are back. And leaked documents suggest the group is trying to rebuild its brand by targeting youth, and in particular the Boy Scouts. The infamous paramilitary organization has been in disarray since the group’s founder, Stewart Rhodes, was arrested, charged, and convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the events of Jan. 6 — which included positioning armed ‘quick reaction’ strike forces across the river from Washington, D.C., in hopes of participating in a Donald Trump-sanctioned campaign of violence. Rhodes is currently serving 18 years (that is, unless Trump decides to include him in his pardons for the Jan. 6 ‘hostages’). The Oath Keepers now have a new brand, Oath Keepers USA, and a new leader named Bobby Kinch, a retired Las Vegas police officer who once gained infamy for making Facebook posts that appeared to call for a race war.” [Rolling Stone]
What to expect from Radical Reports: Morning Briefing provides a daily round-up of reporting on the Radical Right; Extremist Links offers a weekly round-up of extremists activities including the white supremacist and militia movements; Narratives of the Right delivers weekly analysis of the current narratives in far right online spaces and promoted by right-wing media; and Research Desk provides monthly highlights research and analysis from academia on the Radical Right.
"How will religious leaders who support Trump rationalize that? Will they side with the administration, or will they heed the admonitions of their faith that prompt them to care for those less fortunate?"
All due respect to Ms Butler - the answer is self-evident. They will side with their daddy, even if it means their churches and schools are invaded.
And we hope you do- soon!