A federal judge just shot down a request from a January 6 rioter who wanted his restitution money back after being pardoned by former President Trump. Basically, the court said a pardon doesn’t erase the financial consequences of his actions—he still has to pay up.

Editor’s Note: This ruling sends a clear message: even if a pardon wipes away criminal penalties, it doesn’t necessarily let someone off the hook for financial damages tied to their crimes. It’s a notable moment in the ongoing fallout from the Capitol riot, showing that the legal system is still holding participants accountable in ways that pardons can’t undo. For the public, it’s a reminder that accountability isn’t always all-or-nothing.