2020 – 2021 : Pardon & Cronyism Controversies
Early December 2020 — "Bribery for pardon" investigation revealed
On December 2, 2020, media reported that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was investigating a potential scheme in which a convicted individual allegedly offered a "substantial political contribution in exchange for a presidential pardon or sentence reprieve."
Also in early December 2020, it was reported that Trump had discussed pre-emptive pardons for family members and close associates (e.g., his adult children, Jared Kushner, Rudy Giuliani).
These reports mark one of the first major public exposures of potential misuse of the pardon power tied to cronyism / influence-peddling.
December 22-23, 2020: Wave of pardons & commutations issued
January 20, 2021: Final flurry of clemency and headline-making analysis
On December 2, 2020, media reported that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was investigating a potential scheme in which a convicted individual allegedly offered a "substantial political contribution in exchange for a presidential pardon or sentence reprieve."
Also in early December 2020, it was reported that Trump had discussed pre-emptive pardons for family members and close associates (e.g., his adult children, Jared Kushner, Rudy Giuliani).
These reports mark one of the first major public exposures of potential misuse of the pardon power tied to cronyism / influence-peddling.
December 22-23, 2020: Wave of pardons & commutations issued
January 20, 2021: Final flurry of clemency and headline-making analysis
02 Dec, 2020
Sources
Washington Post
In one of his final acts, Trump showered clemency on people with connections to him and his allies