As Donald Trump continues his presidency, he has taken steps that have set a precedent for his use of the pardon power. By granting clemency to over 1,600 individuals in less than a year, Trump is far exceeding the record of most presidents during their full terms. The bulk of these actions have focused on those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, with many of them protesting the outcome of the 2020 election.
Trump has also granted pardons to white-collar criminals like disgraced former Rep. George Santos, who was released from prison after serving just three months of a seven-year sentence for fraud. Santos had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft, but Trump's pardon cleared him of his obligation to pay $373,749.97 to his victims.
Experts point out that Trump's use of the pardon power is unprecedented. "President Trump has applied the same norm-busting approach to the pardon power as he has to other aspects of his presidency," said Jeffrey Crouch, an associate professor at American University. According to Liz Oyer, a former Justice Department pardon attorney, the president's pardons have resulted in losses of over $1 billion for the justice system.
Critics argue that Trump is using the pardon power as a tool to reward his allies and silence critics. "Legally, he has a lot of flexibility to use the clemency power as he sees fit," said Crouch. Former President Joe Biden issued a series of pre-emptive pardons in his final days in office, including for his son Hunter Biden and other family members.
Trump's pardon of Santos comes after the former representative penned an open letter to the president, pleading for his release. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene also advocated for Santos' release.
The use of the pardon power by Trump has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his actions. As the president continues to wield this power, it remains to be seen how his actions will impact the justice system and the country as a whole.
Trump has also granted pardons to white-collar criminals like disgraced former Rep. George Santos, who was released from prison after serving just three months of a seven-year sentence for fraud. Santos had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft, but Trump's pardon cleared him of his obligation to pay $373,749.97 to his victims.
Experts point out that Trump's use of the pardon power is unprecedented. "President Trump has applied the same norm-busting approach to the pardon power as he has to other aspects of his presidency," said Jeffrey Crouch, an associate professor at American University. According to Liz Oyer, a former Justice Department pardon attorney, the president's pardons have resulted in losses of over $1 billion for the justice system.
Critics argue that Trump is using the pardon power as a tool to reward his allies and silence critics. "Legally, he has a lot of flexibility to use the clemency power as he sees fit," said Crouch. Former President Joe Biden issued a series of pre-emptive pardons in his final days in office, including for his son Hunter Biden and other family members.
Trump's pardon of Santos comes after the former representative penned an open letter to the president, pleading for his release. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene also advocated for Santos' release.
The use of the pardon power by Trump has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his actions. As the president continues to wield this power, it remains to be seen how his actions will impact the justice system and the country as a whole.
... Like, what even is the point of pardoning someone like George Santos? He's basically stealing from his victims and getting away with it! 
And now he gets to pay back zero dollars? That's just not right, you know? 
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. I mean, what about the victims who get hurt because of these pardons? Don't they deserve justice too? 
. Until then, I'll just be over here shaking my head and wondering what the future holds 
. First off, 1,600 people get clemency? That's just crazy talk! It's not only setting a bad precedent but also giving a slap on the wrist to folks who committed some serious crimes. I mean, I get that we all make mistakes, but this is just ridiculous 
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. I think he's just doing what's best for people like George Santos, who made mistakes but still deserve a second chance 
. The fact that his pardons are making headlines shows that there are still plenty of people who believe in the power of redemption and forgiveness 
. Let's not be too quick to judge, right? Maybe Trump is just trying to show that everyone deserves an equal shot at life, regardless of their past 
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. Like, what's next? Is he gonna give pardons to all the people who protested him during his rally in 2020? 
. The system is already struggling to cope with the costs of these pardons... over $1 billion lost already 
. What's next? Is he gonna start giving pardons to people who are guilty of more serious crimes just because they're his friends or something? 
. I don't get why he's so obsessed with letting these folks off scot-free. It's not like they're going to win an Oscar for "Most Selfless Person" 
. The numbers are staggering - over $1 billion lost due to his pardons... that's just crazy town 
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. Some of these folks did some pretty shady stuff, but they're not exactly felons or anything. And yeah, George Santos got a sweet deal - three months in and out? That's like getting a participation trophy for good behavior 
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and now he's basically just letting him walk free after serving only 3 months... it's like the justice system is just toast 
. it's like he thinks the justice system is gonna just roll over and let him get away with this? please, that's not how it works 
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. And let's be real, this guy got caught with his hand in the cookie jar multiple times, but Trump still gives him a free pass 
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. I get it, as president, you've got a lot of power, but using it to reward friends and silence critics isn't exactly leadership material 
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. Like, what's next? Pardoning all his Twitter trolls? 
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. Is anyone checking in on these folks who got pardoned? Are they just gonna get back to their old ways or will Trump's pardon power actually make them better citizens? 
. trump is just showing us what real leadership looks like - taking charge and making tough decisions 
anyway, this is getting super shady rn 
. You got off scot-free after doing like, what, $373,000 worth of damage to people's lives? It's just not right, if you ask me.
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seriously though, it feels like he's using the system to get his buddies out of trouble rather than actually helping people. and those $1 billion losses for the justice system? not cool