Full Breakdown
Former Political Operatives Offer Paid Pardon Services, 60 Minutes Shows
By Drooid · · How we work
Exposé of a Pardon-Broker Scheme
A hidden-camera investigation by the CBS newsmagazine *60 Minutes* captured political consultants Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl meeting with Ammon Covino, a felon who had previously sought a presidential pardon from the Biden administration. The pair discussed selling their services to secure a pardon from President Donald Trump, indicating a price of $300,000 for the effort.
Prior Controversies Involving Burkman and Wohl
The Advocate notes that Burkman and Wohl have a history of launching unfounded accusations against Democratic figures. In 2019 they allegedly used fabricated social-media accounts to spread false sexual-assault claims against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, employing a Ferris State University student, Hunter Kelly, as a front. Kelly later denied participation in any smear campaign and asserted he was never assaulted. The duo also created a false Medium post related to that episode without Kelly’s consent.
Alleged Mechanics of the Pardon Service
According to the report, Covino and his wife Crystal had previously paid only for postage to submit a pardon request during the Biden administration. Burkman and Wohl, however, presented a list of additional expenses, including attendance at $10,000-per-plate fundraisers and hiring social-media influencers to publicly demand a pardon. The Advocate describes these costs as part of the “expenses they needed to cover” for the alleged lobbying effort.
Official Responses and Lack of Confirmation
No statements from the White House, the Department of Justice, or the individuals named have been provided in the source material. The investigation therefore remains an allegation of a paid pardon-brokering operation, without confirmation from any government agency.
Potential Implications
If the allegations prove accurate, the episode could raise concerns about the commercialization of presidential clemency and the ethical boundaries of political consulting. It also adds to the pattern of controversy surrounding Burkman and Wohl, whose past activities have drawn scrutiny for employing deceptive tactics in political disputes.