Story perspectives

Trump's Pardons Spark Controversy Over Democratic Integrity

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued pardons since returning to the White House, including for January 6 defendants and Henry Cuellar, a former Rep., who faces bribery accusations.
Liz Oyer, a former pardon attorney, argues pardons undermine democratic principles.
She says wealthy individuals bypass vetting, potentially enabling corruption through lobbying and donations.
Oyer warns these actions could establish a patronage system, contrasting with Biden, Obama, and Bush's limited pardons.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued pardons since returning to the White House, including for January 6 defendants and Henry Cuellar, a former Rep., who faces bribery accusations.
Liz Oyer, a former pardon attorney, argues pardons undermine democratic principles.
She says wealthy individuals bypass vetting, potentially enabling corruption through lobbying and donations.
Oyer warns these actions could establish a patronage system, contrasting with Biden, Obama, and Bush's limited pardons.