Former President Donald Trump has hinted at plans to release January 6 rioters in retaliation for President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden.

In a statement on Sunday, December 1, the White House announced the pardon, with Biden defending the move by claiming his son was “unfairly and selectively” prosecuted because of his family name. The clemency grant, which is irreversible, came ahead of Hunter Biden’s scheduled sentencing dates for federal gun charges on December 12 and federal tax evasion charges on December 16.

Reacting to the pardon, Trump took to social media, writing:
“Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!”

Trump’s remarks echoed sentiments expressed by Fox News commentator Charlie Hurt, who suggested that the sentences of those involved in the Capitol riots should be commuted. Hurt stated, “Pardon every single one of them… Let them all out! Every single one of them.”

The January 6 Capitol attack, during which 140 law enforcement officers were assaulted, saw over 1,200 individuals charged. Among these, some faced allegations of violent confrontations with police, while others were charged for obstructing Congress during the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory.

The debate surrounding clemency highlights the political tension between Trump and Biden amid ongoing legal and ethical controversies involving both families.