May 30, 2025, 4:08 PM
May 29, 2025, 7:32 PM

Trump issues pardons to campaign contributors and loyalists

Highlights
  • Donald Trump has pardoned over 60 individuals during his second presidency, notably including campaign contributors and loyalists.
  • The pardons have raised ethical questions and sparked criticism regarding the motivations behind his decisions.
  • This pattern signals a significant departure from traditional practices of issuing presidential pardons, focusing instead on personal and political connections.
Story

In recent months, Donald Trump has engaged in a series of pardons and commutations, issuing clemency to several individuals with connections to him, particularly those who served as financial or political supporters. This activity has drawn significant attention, especially when compared to the typical practice of prior administrations, where most pardons are granted towards the end of a presidential term. Under the administration of Joe Biden, for example, pardons were issued during his final hours in office, including those directed toward family members and individuals perceived to be potential targets of the incoming Trump administration. The Department of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney has reported that, during Trump's second term, he has pardoned or commuted over 60 individuals, building on the nearly 1,600 pardons granted at the start of his presidency. Trump's pardons have shown a particular focus on individuals who are either wealthy or politically aligned with him, raising questions about the motivations behind these acts of clemency. Notably, some pardons have benefited those convicted of high-profile crimes, including fraud and campaign finance violations. Among the individuals recently pardoned by Trump are Trevor Milton, founder of the Nikola electric vehicle company who contributed nearly $2 million to Trump's reelection efforts, and Imaad Zuberi, a venture capitalist who was previously sentenced to prison for multiple violations. Additionally, Trump granted clemency to Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican awaiting sentencing on federal charges for misappropriating funds, and Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor who had already received a commutation in 2020. The pardons extended to well-known figures such as Todd and Julie Chrisley from the reality show

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