Donald Trump’s use of presidential pardons has been one of the most talked-about aspects of his time in office. From reality TV stars to political allies, his choices have often sparked debate and raised questions about justice and favoritism. Let’s delve into some of the most notable pardons from his current and previous terms.
As of May 2025, Donald Trump has granted clemency to over 1,700 individuals across his two presidential terms. Here’s a breakdown:
First Term (2017–2021)
- Pardons: 143
- Commutations: 94
- Total Clemency Actions: 237
Second Term (2025–Present)
- Pardons and Commutations: Over 1,500
This brings the total number of individuals who have received clemency from Trump to more than 1,700.
Pardons During Trump’s Current Term (2025)
1. Larry Hoover
Co-founder of the Gangster Disciples
Hoover, 74, had been serving six federal life sentences for running a criminal enterprise from prison. Trump commuted his federal sentence, though Hoover still faces a 150–200-year state sentence for a 1973 murder. His case garnered support from celebrities like Kanye West and Drake, who advocated for his release.
2. Todd and Julie Chrisley
Reality TV Personalities
Stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” the couple was convicted of bank and tax fraud in 2022. They received a combined 19-year sentence. Trump pardoned them after their daughter claimed the conviction was politically motivated.
3. Kentrell DeSean Gaulden (YoungBoy Never Broke Again)
Rapper
In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has officially pardoned rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again (YB). The news has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with fans celebrating and critics raising questions about the motivations behind the decision. While Trump has previously issued high-profile pardons, this one adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about celebrity influence, politics, and justice. YB was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, five years of probation and fines $200,000 for felony firearm possession
4. Over 200 January 6 Rioters
Participants in the Capitol Riot
Trump granted clemency to over 200 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, eliminating more than 600 years of potential prison time. Many were affiliates of extreme right-wing groups.
5. Ross Ulbricht
Founder of Silk Road
Ulbricht was serving a life sentence for creating the Silk Road, an online black market. Trump’s pardon of Ulbricht was part of a broader wave of controversial clemency decisions.
6. Trevor Milton
Founder of Nikola Corporation
Convicted of fraud related to misleading investors about the capabilities of his company’s electric trucks. Trump included Milton in his list of pardons during his current term.
7. Scott Jenkins
Former Sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia
Convicted of accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for deputy badges and concealed carry permits. Trump described Jenkins as a victim of the “Biden Department of Justice.”
Pardons During Trump’s Previous Term (2017–2021)
1. Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.)
Rapper and Record Executive
Pardoned for a federal weapons charge after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He had met with Trump on criminal justice issues.
2. Roger Stone
Political Consultant and Longtime Ally
Convicted of obstruction, making false statements, and witness tampering related to the Russia investigation. Trump commuted his sentence and later granted a full pardon.
3. Paul Manafort
Former Trump Campaign Chairman
Convicted on charges including tax and bank fraud. Trump pardoned him in December 2020.
4. Charles Kushner
Real Estate Developer and Father of Jared Kushner
Convicted of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions. Trump granted him a full pardon.
5. Joe Arpaio
Former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona
Convicted of criminal contempt for defying a court order to stop racial profiling. Trump’s pardon was his first and sparked widespread criticism.
6. Alice Marie Johnson
Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
Sentenced to life without parole for nonviolent drug offenses. Her sentence was commuted in 2018 after advocacy from Kim Kardashian West, and she received a full pardon in 2020.
7. Angela Stanton-King
Author and Political Activist
Served two years in prison for conspiracy charges. Pardoned by Trump in 2020, she later ran for Congress in Georgia.
8. Bernard Kerik
Former NYPD Commissioner
Convicted of tax fraud and making false statements. Received a full pardon from Trump in 2020.
9. Kodak Black (Bill K. Kapri)
Rapper and Community Advocate
Kodak Black, born Bill K. Kapri, was serving a 46-month federal sentence for making false statements on federal forms to purchase firearms. On January 19, 2021, President Trump commuted his sentence, citing Black’s philanthropic efforts, including providing educational resources, funding daycare centers, and supporting underprivileged children during Christmas. The commutation was supported by religious leaders and fellow artists.
Trump’s use of clemency powers has been characterized by a focus on political allies, supporters, and high-profile individuals, often bypassing traditional Department of Justice review processes.
Trump’s pardons have often reflected his personal connections and political alliances, leading to debates about the fairness and impartiality of the clemency process. As these decisions continue to influence public discourse, they underscore the profound impact of presidential powers on the justice system. What are your thoughts in President Trump’s most recent presidential pardons? Let’s discuss it below.
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