Trump's Pardon Promise Influences Jan. 6 Trials

Federal judges face pressure as President-elect Trump pledges clemency for Capitol rioters.

Some federal judges have delayed trials for Jan. 6 defendants, anticipating potential pardons from President-elect Trump.
William Pope, a defendant and self-represented doctoral student, successfully secured a trial delay, citing Trump's election victory.
Many judges continue to deny requests for trial delays, emphasizing their duty to uphold judicial responsibilities regardless of political changes.
Trump has vowed to prioritize pardoning Jan. 6 participants upon taking office, calling them 'patriots' and 'warriors.'
Over 1,500 individuals have been charged for their roles in the Capitol riot, with nearly half sentenced to prison or home detention.