The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin, is raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s recent wave of pardons, asserting that the traditional process for clemency has been subverted in favor of rewarding political allies and major donors.
In a letter addressed to the newly appointed U.S. Pardon Attorney, Ed Martin, Representative Raskin of Maryland is demanding a detailed explanation of the criteria and procedures employed by Martin and his office in vetting the recent pardons issued by President Trump.
This week saw a flurry of pardons granted by the President, including reprieves for several individuals convicted of fraud. This adds to a growing list of pardons extended to white-collar criminals during Trump’s current term. In some instances, the administration has suggested that the pardon recipients were unfairly targeted due to their support for President Trump.
Among the most recent pardon recipients are reality TV personalities Julie and Todd Chrisley, who were convicted on charges of bank fraud and tax evasion; former Representative Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud and related offenses; and former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins, convicted on fraud and bribery charges. President Trump also commuted the sentence of a notorious Chicago gangster and a rapper who had been convicted of felony gun charges.
Notably, several individuals who have received pardons during this term, along with their family members, have publicly expressed support for President Trump. Trevor Milton, an electric truck entrepreneur pardoned on securities fraud charges, reportedly donated significant sums to a pro-Trump committee last year. Additionally, The New York Times reported that the mother of Paul Walczak, who was pardoned last month on tax-related charges, has actively fundraised for President Trump and recently attended a high-dollar fundraising event.
In his letter, Representative Raskin stated, “It at least appears that you are using the Office of the Pardon Attorney to dole out pardons as favors to the President’s loyal political followers and most generous donors, completely ignoring and abandoning the thousands of individual applications for clemency in the normal process.”
The traditional clemency process typically involves applicants submitting their pardon requests to the U.S. pardon attorney’s office for a thorough review of the merits of their case. While the ultimate decision rests with the President, past protocols within the Justice Department have included considerations such as whether the applicant has accepted responsibility for their actions and has waited at least five years since their conviction or release from prison, among other factors.
Raskin contends, “None of the cases you have recommended to date appears to have satisfied these standards. Instead, it appears the Administration has abruptly changed the criteria for granting presidential pardons and commutations.” He further suggested that the emerging criteria for receiving a pardon under President Trump seem to be “showing absolute personal and political loyalty to President Trump; giving substantial financial contributions to MAGA and the President’s political network; and engaging in forms of political corruption and violence that promote MAGA power and authoritarianism.”
When approached for comment on Raskin’s letter, a Justice Department spokesperson provided a statement to CBS News that questioned Raskin’s consistency, referencing past pardon actions.
The President’s constitutional power to grant pardons for federal crimes is extensive. President Trump has utilized this power frequently during his term, drawing criticism for pardoning numerous individuals convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot.
In addition to the finalized pardons, President Trump recently indicated he would “take a look at” pardoning a group of men facing charges for allegedly plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Furthermore, it has been reported that Pardon Attorney Ed Martin has discussed pardon applications for some of the remaining defendants in the January 6th Capitol riot cases who did not receive full clemency.
Ed Martin’s appointment as pardon attorney followed his unsuccessful bid for confirmation as U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. President Trump subsequently moved him to the Justice Department to serve as associate deputy attorney general and pardon attorney. In this crucial role, the pardon attorney traditionally advises the president on the use of clemency powers.
Adding another layer of controversy, President Trump has also assigned Martin to serve as director of the Justice Department’s “Weaponization Working Group,” a committee established by Attorney General Pam Bondi to “review” the department’s activities during the Biden administration, including investigations related to President Trump, Capitol rioters, and others.
Adding further fuel to the debate, Martin recently posted on X, stating “No MAGA left behind” in reference to the ongoing series of pardons.
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