Vice President-elect JD Vance has announced that President-elect Donald Trump intends to pardon peaceful protesters from the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident but not those involved in violence.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Vance stated, “If you protested peacefully… and Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice treated you like a gang member, you should be pardoned. If you committed violence, obviously you shouldn’t be.”
Vance emphasized the administration’s commitment to fair legal treatment, adding that each case will be reviewed individually.
This announcement has sparked backlash from some who accuse him of retreating from earlier promises, a claim Vance dismissed on social media, reiterating the focus on fairness.

Since January 6, more than 1,500 individuals have faced federal charges, with nearly 1,300 convictions and 1,100 sentencing outcomes, according to the Associated Press. Charges have ranged from illegal parading to physical violence, with 238 assault-related charges.
Vance addresses California’s wildfire crisis, calling the devastation in Los Angeles County “heartbreaking” and criticizing the state’s governance.
He cited dry reservoirs and malfunctioning fire hydrants as signs of mismanagement”.
“There is a serious lack of competent governance in California”,” he stated, adding that state and federal authorities need to improve preparations for such disasters.
President-elect Trump, he noted, plans to ensure better federal disaster response, including through FEMA.
DuriTrump’sp’s first term, he criticized California for inadequate forest management and insufficient water conservation efforts, criticisms he and Vance have reiterated.

California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, have countered these claims, highlighting federal responsibilities and calling for an investigation into infrastructure failures, such as dry fire hydrants.
U.S. Interests in Greenland and Panama
Vance also addressed speculation regarding U.S. ambitions in Greenland and Panama, dismissing the need for military action.
He argued for economic cooperation and better governance in Greenland, a territory ruled by Den” Arkdon’tt don’t have to use military “orce,” Vance said. “We already have troops in Greenland, and the people there want to develop their resources.”
He added that Greenland’s natural resources and addressing American security interests are priorities.
Vance criticized Denmark’s management of Greenland, stating that U.S. leadership could bring better security and development opportunities.
However, leaders in Greenland, Denmark, and other affected nations, including Canada and Panama, have rejTrump’s annexation proposals.


Vance eTrump’s commitment to strengthening America’s global influence is through cooperation and economic strategies rather than force.
As the administration prepares to take office, it remains to be seen how these policies will unfold and how they will address pressing issues at home and abroad.