With hostages’ families behind him, Trump says he’ll pardon ‘January 6 hostages’

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Donald Trump speaks alongside relatives of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. Rescued hostage Noa Argamani is immediately behind Trump. (ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks alongside relatives of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. Rescued hostage Noa Argamani is immediately behind Trump. (ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

With the families of the hostages being held in Gaza standing behind him, Trump announces that he will be signing an executive order pardoning the “hostages” prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

The Israeli families had just been called to the stage by Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff at the post-inauguration rally in Washington. Trump shook hands with each of them who then stood behind him as he gave one of his typical political rally speeches.

After announcing his decision to pardon the “J6 hostages,” Trump turns to the Israeli group and reflects on the ceasefire deal Witkoff helped finalize last week.

“We never stopped praying for you, and we’re so glad that you’re reunited with your friends and families,” Trump says.

While introducing Trump, Witkoff says the Israeli hostage families will be meeting with the president later tonight.

The hostage families are in Washington to urge the new administration to ensure the nascent ceasefire deal is upheld through all three phases amid concerns that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will resume fighting after the first phase, preventing the release of the remaining hostages.

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