Trump DOJ Dumps January 6 Sedition Convictions

Mother Jones
by Dan Friedman
April 14, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Trump's DOJ is seeking to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions for January 6 defendants.

How This Affects You

This action could overturn convictions for 12 members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, changing their legal status.

AI Summary

DOJ lawyers asked DC Circuit Court judges on Tuesday to vacate the seditious conspiracy and other convictions of 12 members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, including Stewart Rhodes. These defendants were all convicted for their efforts to prevent the peaceful transfer of power following Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat. The DOJ filings, signed by District of Columbia US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, stated that dismissal was "in the interests of justice." This move would end their designation as seditionists and undo the legal determination that the attack on Congress was an effort to overthrow the lawful government. The filing comes weeks after President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi and is overseen by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer.

What's Being Done

DOJ lawyers, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, asked the DC Circuit Court to vacate the convictions of 12 January 6 defendants.

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