First pardoned Jan. 6 rioters released in DC
Two Pennsylvania brothers arrested for their role in the riots were released.
President Donald Trump returned from a campaign-style rally at a Washington, D.C., arena to the White House to sign more executive orders, including a sweeping one that pardoned those convicted of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Earlier after taking the oath of office and events at the Capitol, Trump spoke to a roaring crowd at Capital One Arena, where he also signed several executive orders.
After he is through signing the orders, Trump will attend inaugural balls tonight.
Key Headlines
- 2nd federal lawsuit challenges birthright citizenship executive order
- First pardoned Jan. 6 rioters released from DC detention facility: DOJ
- Trump says he will enact tariffs on Canada, Mexico on Feb. 1
- Former Proud Boys leader serving 22 years being processed for release: Lawyer
- Trump discovers letter from Biden in Oval Office desk
Trump says he will pardon Jan. 6 'hostages' tonight
Almost immediately after Trump took the stage, he said he would be signing pardons for Jan. 6 rioters.
"Tonight, I'm going to be signing on the J6 hostages, pardons to get them out," Trump said. "And as soon as I leave, I'm going to the Oval Office and we'll be signing pardons for a lot of people. A lot of people."
Steve Witkoff touts ceasefire deal, brings up families of hostages
Steve Witkoff, the first speaker following the parade in Capital One Arena, touted the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, a day after some hostages returned home.
"This achievement demonstrates the strength President Trump's leadership and the respect he commands on the global stage," Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, said. "It is yet another example of his ability to deliver results in the most complex and challenging situations."
The family members of several hostages, including those whose loved ones have been released and those who are still being held in Gaza, are in attendance. They received a large round of applause from the audience and also shook hands with Trump.
During his remarks, Witkoff also outlined some of Trump's foreign policy principles, including "reciprocity and accountability."
"We are done carrying the financial burden for nations that are unwilling to fund their own progress. The days of blank checks are over," he said to applause.
Trump, Vance families look on as parade passes in review
The Trump and Vance families are all gathered together watching as the parade rolls on in Capital One Arena.
Vance's young children are seated near him in the front row. His son, Vivek, was seen leaning over the presidential seal placed on the risers.
Barron Trump, the president's youngest son, is also in the first row next to Melania Trump.
White House confirms Vivek Ramaswamy is leaving DOGE
The White House confirmed to ABC News that Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump had picked to help lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, will now step aside to focus on running for governor of Ohio.
"Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE," Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Anna Kelly told ABC News in a statement. "He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again!"
An Ohio operative told ABC News last week that Ramaswamy would announce his gubernatorial run soon.
"Vivek's base plan remains [the] same: to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly," the operative said.
-ABC News' Hannah Demissie