Trump's Presidency Affects January 6 Prosecution

As Congress prepares to certify Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, a winter storm looms over the proceedings, contrasting sharply with the violent events of January 6, 2021. This time, lawmakers expect a peaceful process, although Trump's prior attempts to contest the election results still linger in the public consciousness. Trump's upcoming sentencing for his hush money conviction on January 10 may complicate his inauguration, as he will enter office with a felony record. Meanwhile, Trump's anticipated clemency for January 6 rioters raises questions about the future of the Justice Department's extensive prosecutions against them, which have been among the largest in U.S. history. The political climate has already affected the morale within the DOJ, as ongoing plea negotiations for around 300 unresolved cases have stalled due to Trump's electoral win. Observers note that the legacy of these prosecutions will largely depend on Trump's decisions once in office, particularly regarding potential pardons for those involved in the Capitol attack.