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Journalism of Courage
During his first term, US President-elect Donald Trump utilised his presidential power to grant 144 pardons and commutations, including some of his closest allies.
These actions have been revisited as speculation rises over potential pardons in a second term. Amid the pardon by US President Joe Biden for his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of gun and tax evasion charges, below is a list of significant individuals who benefited from Trump’s clemency from 2016-2020, as per reports.
Charles Kushner, father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, was convicted in 2005 for tax evasion, witness retaliation, and illegal campaign contributions. He served 16 months in prison and was pardoned in 2020.
Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist, faced charges related to defrauding donors in a scheme to fund a US-Mexico border wall. He was pardoned by Trump before trial.
Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, was convicted on multiple counts related to financial fraud during Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump pardoned Manafort after he served part of his sentence.
Roger Stone, a longtime ally, was convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering during Mueller’s investigation. Trump commuted his sentence and later issued a full pardon.
Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser, twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his Russian contacts. Trump granted Flynn a full pardon.
Former Representatives Duncan Hunter (California) and Chris Collins (New York) were both convicted of financial crimes. Hunter misused campaign funds, while Collins was involved in insider trading. Trump pardoned both.
Four former Blackwater security contractors—Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard—convicted of killing Iraqi civilians in 2007 were controversially pardoned.
Both individuals were implicated in Mueller’s Russian investigation. Papadopoulos was a campaign aide whose comments helped launch the probe, and Van der Zwaan, a lawyer, was convicted of lying to investigators.
Among others pardoned were Utah state legislator Phil Lyman, convicted of trespassing during a protest; Stephanie Mohr, a former police officer convicted of civil rights violations; and Mark Shapiro and Irving Stitsky, real estate fraudsters serving lengthy sentences.
Trump’s pardons have drawn praise and criticism, reflecting his willingness to use this presidential power to reward loyalty and challenge judicial outcomes.
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