In the latest of President Trump’s judicial machinations, last Tuesday was a day of pardon and commutation for 11 individuals at Trump’s discretion. All of these persons either had existing prison sentences shortened or completely nullified.
The official manuscript for this “clemency spree” can be found on the official WhiteHouse.gov website.
Take, for example, Paul Pogue: the owner of a Texas construction company. He pled guilty to filing false income tax statements and was given three years’ probation. However, the White House issue states that “For more than 30 years, he (Pogue) has provided significant humanitarian aid to countries around the world, including Africa, India, and Mexico, all while continuing to help his fellow Americans in times of need. Mr. Pogue is the founder of two non-profit organizations...” and so on.
Every entry highlights the positive traits and qualities of the people pardoned, philanthropist acts they may have done, how nice they treated their friends and loved ones, and any relevant outside endorsements for each pardon and commute.
Another example is Edward DeBartolo, Jr.: a past owner of the San Fransisco 49ers. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license. The same issue describes how “Many prominent individuals from the National Football League have strongly advocated for this pardon, including Joe Montana, Jim Brown, Jerry Rice…”
Other pardons include Best-selling author Angela Stanton, former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik, and CEO of Virginia-based Symplicity Corp. Ari Friedler.
Among the commutations, the largest point of contention surrounds that of Rod Blagojevich, a former Illinois governor, who tried to sell a vacant U.S. Senate seat after Barack Obama’s 2008 election. Blagojevich was impeached, removed from office, and spent 8 years in prison. According to the White House issue, “During his confinement, Mr. Blagojevich has demonstrated exemplary character, devoting himself to improving the lives of his fellow prisoners.”
Three women were commuted too, but it was supposedly done to “balance out” the men convicted of corruption.
Darlon Riviere - Staff Writer