by Maya Dorsam ‘27

Whether or not you politically align with President Donald Trump, his actions to pardon those who participated in the January 6 insurrection pose a great threat to the security and welfare of our nation. January 6 will forever be stained with the hurt and fear that millions of Americans experienced while watching from home or being in D.C. itself, and Trump’s poor judgment is a disgrace to all those affected.

Trump’s pardons communicate to the American people that whenever you are dissatisfied with the government, terrorizing attempts to change it are condoned and acceptable. Among those pardoned are citizens who have records of having been charged with serious crimes including rape, domestic violence, and conspiracy to kill government officials among others. Thirteen total members involved in either the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, recognized violent extremist groups, were explicitly granted absolution after approximately 140 law enforcement officers were injured during the attack and over 2.9 million dollars in damage were caused. Many fear that through the pardons, Trump signals the “green light” to far-right paramilitaries. Not to mention that he completely dismisses the hurt that victims and their families experience every day as a result of the pardonees’ attack. After watching various testimonies from the trial that continues to take place four years after the assault occurred, it proves impossible to justify Trump’s behavior.