President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Thomas Caldwell, a veteran linked to the January 6 Capitol riot, while also commuting the prison term of Jason Galanis, a former business associate of Hunter Biden.
Caldwell, a 69-year-old Navy veteran from Virginia, was accused of involvement in the 2021 insurrection but was acquitted of seditious conspiracy charges earlier this year. Despite being sentenced to time served with no probation, Trump’s pardon effectively clears Caldwell’s record.
Caldwell had been tried alongside members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia, a group the Justice Department has labeled as extremist. Prosecutors claimed Caldwell helped coordinate a “quick reaction force” meant to arm rioters, though the weapons were never used. Defense lawyers argued the preparations were purely defensive.
In addition, Trump commuted the 14-year sentence of Galanis, who pleaded guilty to a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving tribal bonds. Galanis is the second Hunter Biden associate to receive clemency from Trump.
Trump has previously pardoned numerous individuals connected to the January 6 attack, including some convicted of violent acts.
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