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Trump's Controversial Pardons Cost Taxpayers $1.3 Billion

7/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During his second term, President Trump controversially pardoned more than 1,600 individuals, including serious offenders, sparking outrage among legal experts who label it "patronage pardoning" for political gain. This decision has burdened taxpayers and victims with over $1.3 billion in costs, while countless ordinary Americans wait in vain for their pardon applications to be addressed.

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Story summary

During his second term, President Trump controversially pardoned more than 1,600 individuals, including serious offenders, sparking outrage among legal experts who label it "patronage pardoning" for political gain. This decision has burdened taxpayers and victims with over $1.3 billion in costs, while countless ordinary Americans wait in vain for their pardon applications to be addressed.