Trump’s Second-Term Pardons Under Scrutiny

In less than two years of his second term, President Donald Trump has issued nearly 2,000 pardons, far exceeding the 238 commutations granted in his first term. Media reports suggest an additional 250 pardons are being prepared to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. The list includes January 6 Capitol rioters, the Proud Boys leader, and more than 50 individuals convicted of white-collar crimes such as fraud and money laundering.

The Guardian

The presidential pardon power is constitutionally broad but historically exercised sparingly. Past uses include Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. In the current wave, notable beneficiaries include former congressman George Santos, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, real-estate developer Charles Kushner, campaign manager Paul Manafort, activist Alice Marie Johnson, electric-vehicle entrepreneur Trevor Milton (wire-fraud conviction, $1.8 million campaign donation), and Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty to money-laundering violations.

The Guardian

Victims have lost more than $1.3 billion in restitution, including $600 million erased for Milton’s investors. Binance paid $4 billion in fines, and a separate crypto arrangement could generate $30 million per month for the Trump family. The administration has proposed a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund to compensate alleged political prosecutions. Analysts note that the rumored 250 additional pardons for the nation’s 250th birthday could further expand executive clemency before the term ends.

The Guardian

When asked about Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao’s pardon on “60 Minutes,” President Trump replied, “I don’t know who he is … I just heard it was a Biden witch-hunt.” The White House has not issued a detailed justification for the broader pattern of pardons.

The Guardian

John Oliver argued that the pardon power is “basically unchecked” and that the second-term clemency has removed over $1.3 billion from victims. He described the process as driven by media coverage, donor money, and appeals to presidential vanity, noting limited legal avenues to challenge the decisions.

The Guardian

The source material does not contain a formal White House explanation of the selection criteria for pardons or a direct response to Oliver’s allegations, leaving a gap in official accountability.

The Guardian

• “The executive power to pardon someone from federal crimes is enshrined in the constitution, and it’s basically unchecked,” — John Oliver, Host, *Last Week Tonight*

The Guardian

• “Legal experts say that no president has started a term with so many pardons that violate longstanding policies and norms,” — John Oliver, Host, *Last Week Tonight*

The Guardian

• “I don’t know who he is … I just heard it was a Biden witch-hunt.” — Donald Trump, *60 Minutes* interview

The Guardian