Top Democrats were incensed when President Donald Trump controversially issued an executive order pardoning most of the defendants in the January 6 Capitol riot. The ruling, which pardons about 1,600 people, has drawn criticism for being a transparent political ploy that compromises the rule of law.

The mass pardons were denounced by Senate Majority Leader Adam Schiff as “a grotesque abuse of power,” highlighting the fact that some of the pardoned had attacked law enforcement with violence. His views were echoed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who described Trump’s actions as “a betrayal” of the officers who guarded the Capitol and cautioned that such choices undermine public confidence.

However, Trump’s supporters contend that the action corrects what they perceive to be politically motivated prosecutions, claiming that many of the defendants were unfairly singled out. Meanwhile, legal experts express worries about how it will affect future accountability for political violence and set a precedent for presidential clemency.

The pardons have heightened discussions about executive authority and the legacy of January 6 as the country struggles with the fallout. Trump’s choice is likely to have a significant impact on both his presidency and the larger political environment, with strong reactions on both sides.