A recent poll by Washington Post-Ipsos has stirred controversy, revealing that President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon January 6th rioters remains one of the most unpopular moves of his political career. Despite his strong standing among Republicans, the decision to offer pardons to those involved in the Capitol riot has sparked significant backlash.
Shortly after being sworn in for his second term, President Trump exercised his power to issue pardons and commutations for nearly 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. Among those pardoned were individuals convicted of violent assaults against law enforcement officers—a move that raised concern among many, even within his own party. This action has become a major point of contention, as it sparked anger not only from Democrats but also from a significant portion of his Republican base.
The poll found that 83% of Americans oppose pardons for the violent rioters, with the majority disapproving of pardoning those convicted of nonviolent crimes as well. A mere 14% supported the decision, showing just how divisive this issue is. Only 3% of respondents were undecided or declined to share an opinion.
As of the latest poll, President Trump’s job approval rating stands at 45%, with 53% of Americans disapproving of his overall performance. However, compared to his first term, these numbers are relatively stable. Real Clear Politics, which tracks multiple polls, shows that Trump’s approval rating averages 49.1%, slightly higher than the disapproval rate of 47.8%. This demonstrates that despite some controversy surrounding his pardons, Trump still enjoys substantial backing among a large portion of the American electorate, especially among those who prioritize strong leadership and a commitment to law and order.
While the pardons may have been unpopular with many, it’s clear that President Trump’s influence remains strong among those who value personal freedom, a robust defense of the Constitution, and a commitment to holding true to conservative principles.