On Tuesday, Donald Trump began announcing a wave of pardons. The 41 new pardons will protect his loyalists’ criminals from accountability and punishment. Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Charles Kushner are among the names listed. Manafort and Stone are former advisers of Trump. They were previously indicted and convicted of several crimes by special counsel Robert Mueller. During their trials, both parties lied to congress and prosecutors to protect Trump.
Jared Kushner’s father, Charles, was prosecuted by US Attorney Chris Christie to 16 counts of tax evasion, lying to the Federal Election Commission, and witness tampering. It is widespread for presidents to issue pardons at the end of their term. However, Trump is abusing his power in office. None of the 41 names meet the Department of Justices’ criteria for pardon.
9-140.112 – Standards for Considering Pardon Petitions
“In general, a pardon is granted on the basis of the petitioner’s demonstrated good conduct for a substantial period of time after conviction and service of sentence. The Department’s regulations require a petitioner to wait a period of at least five years after conviction or release from confinement (whichever is later) before filing a pardon application (28 CFR Section 1.2). The Department may grant a waiver of the five-year requirement. In determining whether a particular petitioner should be recommended for a pardon, the following are the principal factors taken into account.”
Four Iraq massacre Blackwater guards will be pardoned in addition to the other 37 individuals. A vast majority of Trump’s allies have already pleaded guilty to mail fraud and cybercrime.
On Wednesday, 26 pardons were delivered following the 15 announced Tuesday. Trump’s abuse of his pardon powers will protect already convicted criminals. The list included George Papadopoulos, Chris Collins, Alex van der Zwaan, and two Border Patrol agents who attempted to cover up the senseless murder of an unarmed immigrant.
Trump has blatantly and deliberately disregarded already established traditional government practices during his entire presidency. The 41 Clemencies are a true definition of Trump’s legacy. A criminal who protects criminals.
