Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Trump Pardons Allies and Controversial Figures
President Donald Trump has been using his power to pardon people who have been convicted of crimes.
He has pardoned several people who are his allies or who he feels have been treated unfairly.
Some of these people include former governors, congressmen, and even a former New York City mayor.
Trump has been criticized for using his pardon power to help his friends and supporters, but he believes he is correcting injustices in the legal system.
Some of the pardons have been controversial, especially when they involve people who are still facing other legal troubles.
Trump has pardoned several allies and controversial figures, including former governors, congressmen, and a former NYC mayor.
Pardons include Rod Blagojevich, George Santos, Rudy Giuliani, Henry Cuellar, Glen Casada, John Rowland, Michele Fiore, and Michael Grimm.
Trump's pardons have been criticized as a misuse of power to reward allies and influence legal cases.
Some pardons, like those for Rudy Giuliani and others involved in the 2020 election, are seen as symbolic and aimed at influencing state-level charges.
Trump has defended his pardons as a way to correct injustices in the legal system.
- Who
- Donald Trump, US President
- What
- Pardoning several controversial figures and allies
- When
- Between 2024 and 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To reward allies, influence legal cases, and address perceived injustices
- Rod Blagojevich
- Former Illinois Governor, pardoned February 2025
- George Santos
- Former Congressman, sentence commuted October 2025
- Rudy Giuliani
- Former NYC Mayor, pardoned November 2025
- Henry Cuellar
- Texas Congressman, pardoned December 2024
- Glen Casada
- Former Tennessee House Speaker, pardoned 2025
- John Rowland
- Former Connecticut Governor, pardoned May 2025
- Michele Fiore
- Former Las Vegas Councilor, pardoned 2025
- Michael Grimm
- Former Congressman, pardoned 2025
