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Trump-Tied Lobbyist Arrested for $500K Extortion Attempt

3/15/2026

25 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Nass, a lobbyist tied to U.S. President Donald Trump, was arrested in New York on attempted extortion.
Prosecutors allege he threatened a former client and the client's son to recover $500,000.
Court documents show Nass had previously secured a presidential pardon for Joseph Schwartz.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and was released on a $5 million bond after his initial appearance.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, President Donald Trump controversially pardoned Joe Arpaio, who had been convicted of criminal contempt for racial profiling. This action, criticized for undermining judicial authority, highlighted the growing concerns over the use of executive clemency and lobbying in politics. The incident reflects ongoing debates about accountability and ethics in American governance, particularly regarding the influence of wealthy lobbyists.

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Story summary

Joshua Nass, a lobbyist tied to U.S. President Donald Trump, was arrested in New York on attempted extortion.
Prosecutors allege he threatened a former client and the client's son to recover $500,000.
Court documents show Nass had previously secured a presidential pardon for Joseph Schwartz.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and was released on a $5 million bond after his initial appearance.

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