Why Trump Issued Broad Jan. 6 Pardons: A Look at His Decision-Making

 President Donald Trump's sweeping pardons for approximately 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riot were a last-minute, decisive move aimed at closing a politically fraught chapter quickly, according to White House advisers familiar with the discussions.
Why It Matters

Trump's decision to issue broad clemency underscores his unpredictable approach to policymaking and highlights his determination to deliver on promises to his MAGA base, even at the risk of political backlash.
Inside the Decision
The Debate: Initially, there was internal debate within Trump's team about whether to grant targeted clemency or blanket pardons. Some advisers favored a selective approach to avoid backlash, particularly for those accused of assaulting law enforcement officers.
The Pivot: Eight days before inauguration, Vice President-elect JD Vance stated on Fox News Sunday that individuals who committed violence on January 6 should not receive clemency. However, as discussions progressed, Trump overruled objections, reportedly saying: "F--k it: Release 'em all."

Time Constraints: With limited time before Inauguration Day, Trump opted for blanket pardons, sidestepping the complexities of a case-by-case review. Advisers believed the prosecutions were "tainted" and sought to end the issue swiftly.

Political Fallout
A Divided Response: The pardons caught many Republicans off guard, particularly those wary of appearing to condone violence against police.
Shifting Stance: Although Trump initially condemned the rioters on January 7, 2021, he later embraced their cause as his legal challenges mounted. On the campaign trail, he played recordings by jailed January 6 protestors and vowed to pardon them.
Vance’s Role: Although Vance had earlier supported blanket pardons, he had publicly suggested a more cautious approach to align with Trump’s evolving rhetoric. This misalignment highlighted the challenges of anticipating Trump's decisions.
Lessons Learned
Unpredictability: The episode demonstrated the risks of making categorical statements about Trump’s decisions. Even close allies like Vance found themselves misaligned with Trump’s final actions.
Focus on the Base: Trump advisers remain confident that the pardons, while controversial, align with his supporters’ priorities and will not significantly harm his political standing.
The Bottom Line

Trump’s sweeping January 6 pardons reveal his willingness to make bold, polarizing decisions to satisfy his base. For those in his orbit, the takeaway was clear: never predict the actions of a president known for his mercurial approach.