Political science professor: Jan 6. pardons likely on the way for Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma Christian political science professor says he believes it's likely President-Elect Donald Trump will grant pardons to most if not all Americans criminally charged in connection to the January 6 Capitol Riot.

Exactly four years ago, supporters of Trump attacked the Capitol while congress attempted to certify results of the 2020 Presidential Election. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the certification of the 2024 election results Monday without incident.

"January sixth is a polarizing day because it was either kind of a moment of truth or it was the culmination of misinformation," said Oklahoma Christian professor Trey Orndorff. "It was spellbinding in a way, but terrifyingly spellbinding."

Orndorff said he's had a lot of time to reflect on the day itself, after speaking with News 4 about it four years ago. He says the biggest impact he's noticed is on the United States judicial system; which he says is far more polarizing than it ever has been. He says that American favorability of the court system has shifted away from being more positive from his perspective.

13 Oklahomans have been charged in federal court, accused of taking part in the riot. News 4 has followed scattered updates on all of them since charges were announced. Nine people charged have pled guilty, three people have pled not guilty and one case is in limbo.

Sentencing for those found guilty regardless has ranged from up to nine months in prison, probation and a fine.

"It's not surprising that Oklahomans were a part of that because we were a primary target for those kinds of misinformation," said Orndorff.

Dova Winegart, from Fairview, was found guilty in court last month after pleading not guilty. She was sentenced to four months in prison, 12 months probation and fines. In Winegart's latest court filing asking for the sentencing to be held off on being formally filed, she points out President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son Hunter. She also addresses President-Elect Trump's intention to issue "day one" pardons to Americans criminally charged for January 6.

"I think it is likely that President Trump pardons many, if not most, of the individuals involved in January sixth," said Orndorff. "And I often think we do not take President Trump at his word, I think wrongfully so, because he often does what he says he's going to do."

News 4 asked Orndorff about the implications of those pardons under Trump's final term and for future presidents.

"I don't know if pardons have become more common, but what might change is why we are pardoning individuals and traditionally speaking pardons haven't been done for those kinds of highly politicized reasons."

Orndorff also noted that he thinks the United States won't become more polarized if the pardons are granted. He says the news will likely make the headlines and make some people angry; but that he doesn't think they'll fuel another major conflict.