Trump DOJ scrubs January 6 case press releases from website
The U.S. Justice Department has taken down press releases linked to criminal proceedings from the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, branding them as “partisan propaganda.” This decision affects details related to charges, including seditious conspiracy, against organizations like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. The action appears tied to efforts by the Trump administration to modify the official narrative of that day, when supporters of Donald Trump overran the Capitol to hinder Joe Biden's election certification. On his first day back in the White House in January 2025, Trump issued pardons or commutations for over 1,500 individuals convicted of various offenses.
Key facts
- DOJ removed news releases about January 6 criminal cases from its website.
- Removed releases included seditious conspiracy cases against Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
- DOJ called the information 'partisan propaganda'.
- Trump pardoned or commuted sentences for all 1,500+ January 6 defendants on his first day back in office in January 2025.
- DOJ announced a $1.776 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who feel unjustly investigated.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has not ruled out payouts to violent rioters.
- A journalist observed the removals on X, prompting DOJ's response.
- DOJ's rapid response account said it was 'proud to reverse the DOJ’s weaponization'.
Entities
Institutions
- Department of Justice
- Proud Boys
- Oath Keepers
- Congress
Locations
- United States
- Washington, D.C.
- Capitol
- Texas