He announced it, and a majority of voters wanted it: From his very first days in office, Donald Trump has been pushing a state, moral and societal upheaval in the US. In his inaugural address on Monday, January 20, he promised a "revolution of common sense." These contradictory terms sketch out the outline of a conservative reaction to certain recent developments in American society, notably the recognition and promotion of sexual and racial diversity. This reaction is accompanied by populist newspeak
that has been observed in other countries, which replaces facts with repeated slogans.

Nothing has illustrated this more than the presidential pardons granted to the 1,500 rioters – "the hostages" – from the Capitol Hill assault on January 6, 2021. Trump's intention was hardly in doubt. For four years, thanks to powerful media outlets disseminating his rhetoric, he had promoted the idea that the insurrection's culprits were, in fact, victims. Yet the decision to also pardon rioters who had perpetrated acts of violence against 140 injured police officers represents the strongest symbol of this starting period of his term in office. According to the Axios website, it was a "last-minute, rip-the-bandage-off decision," sparked by this sentence from the president, as reported by an adviser: "Fuck it. Release 'em all."

According to a Reuters poll, this decision was criticized by 58% of American respondents, and it has sowed unrest among many Republican elected officials in Congress. The country's main police union – the Fraternal Order of Police – was shocked by this blanket pardon, which was particularly beneficial for 174 people convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers with dangerous or even lethal objects. Experts in extremist violence warned that this could be interpreted by individuals or armed groups who might feel protected by the White House's clemency as an invitation to reoffend or take violent action. "The rule of law in this country is dead," said Michael Fanone, a Washington police officer who defended Capitol Hill, on CNN on Wednesday.

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