Examining Presidential Clemency: A Closer Look at Controversial Pardons

Abuse of Presidential Powers?

Let’s discuss some of the highly debated pardons issued recently. You may be familiar with some of the 143 names on the list and possibly their backstories, but it's time to explore them further.

Notably absent are figures like Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, reality TV personality Joe Exotic from Tiger King (who even arranged for a limo to await him), and whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Joe Exotic has publicly expressed that his exclusion is due to being “too innocent and too GAY.”

Another notable omission is Michael Cohen, Trump's ex-lawyer, who did not receive clemency primarily because he cooperated with Mueller’s investigation. We will delve into their narratives shortly.

Many politicians profess support for the Constitution and justice until they have the chance to assist wealthy allies in escaping prison time or to project an image of compassion towards marginalized communities, particularly Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Reflect on the clemency granted to Michael “Harry-O” Harris (a convicted cocaine trafficker and attempted murderer), Lil Wayne, and Kodak Black as we proceed.

Ken Kurson — Clemency

Consider Ken Kurson, previously a board member of Ripple (XRP cryptocurrency) and a personal associate of Jared Kushner, a key advisor to the President. While many XRP holders are hopeful for Ripple's legal victory against the SEC, Kurson’s incarceration was not linked to cryptocurrency matters.

He faced jail time due to cyberstalking, issuing threatening emails, and installing a keylogger on his ex-wife’s computer. This type of clemency sends the wrong message about entitled, abusive individuals.

Stephen K. Bannon — Full Pardon

Stephen K. Bannon is a recognizable name for anyone acquainted with the Trump administration. He was convicted on charges of money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy for misusing funds from the “We Build the Wall” crowdfunding initiative for personal benefit.

George Papadopoulos — Full Pardon

George Papadopoulos, a former advisor to Trump, was convicted for lying during the Mueller investigation.

Alex van der Zwaan — Full Pardon

Similarly, Alex van der Zwaan was convicted for false statements during the Mueller investigation.

Former US Representative Rick Renzi, R-Arizona — Full Pardon

Rick Renzi, a former US Representative, faced convictions for bribery, extortion, insurance fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. However, being a Republican seems to have worked in his favor.

Robert Cannon “Robin” Hayes — Full Pardon

Robin Hayes, ex-Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, was found guilty of making false statements during a federal investigation.

Former US Representative Chris Collins (R-NY) — Full Pardon

Chris Collins was pardoned after being convicted of misusing nearly $250,000 in campaign funds.

Former US Representative Steve Stockman (R-TX) — Sentence Commuted

Steve Stockman had his sentence commuted after being found guilty of misappropriating charitable funds.

A Common Trait?

It appears that everyone convicted by Mueller received a pardon from Trump, with the exception of those who cooperated with the investigation. Intriguing, isn’t it?

Senate Judiciary Committee member Richard Blumenthal voiced concern, stating, "I doubt government contractors who slaughtered civilians or corrupt Congressional cronies were what the Founders had in mind when they drafted the pardon clause."

He criticized Trump for abusing his presidential powers to absolve the misdeeds of political allies, remarking, "Donald Trump leaves the presidency just as he took it: without a shred of respect for the Constitution and as a complete disgrace to his office." — CNBC News

Yet, evidence suggests Trump was quite frugal with pardons until the very end of his presidency, when he faced dwindling support even within his own party regarding unfounded allegations of voter fraud.

The floodgates opened on Biden’s Inauguration Day.

Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard — Full Pardons

These individuals were pardoned despite being convicted for the murder of 14 Iraqi civilians, including two women and two young boys aged 9 and 11.

Dr. Faustino Bernadett — Full Pardon

Dr. Faustino Bernadett was found guilty of hiding $30 million in healthcare fraud from a potential total of $900 million.

Carl Andrews Boggs — Full Pardon

Carl Andrews Boggs was convicted for conspiring to defraud the Transportation Department and for money laundering.

Jonathon Braun — Sentence Commuted to Time Served

Jonathon Braun faced legal issues for importing 2,200 pounds of illegal marijuana and money laundering.

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (Lil Wayne or Weezy) — Full Pardon

Lil Wayne received a pardon after pleading guilty to firearm possession on his private jet following a felony conviction.

Paul Erickson — Full Pardon

Paul Erickson was pardoned after pleading guilty to money laundering and wire fraud as an NRA operative during the Russian election fraud investigation.

Rodney Nakia Gibson — Full Pardon

Rodney Gibson was convicted for drug trafficking.

George Gilmore — Full Pardon

George Gilmore was pardoned after being found guilty of tax evasion and providing false information on a bank loan application.

Bill K. Kapri or Kodak Black — Full Pardon

Kodak Black was pardoned despite being convicted on federal weapons charges and for falsifying documents to acquire firearms, including a 9mm pistol, a .380 caliber weapon, and a Mini Draco semi-automatic firearm.

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick — Clemency

Kwame Kilpatrick, convicted for racketeering and bribery during his time as Mayor of Detroit, lost multiple appeals and was denied clemency by President Obama. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider stated, "My position on the disgraced former mayor of Detroit has not changed. Kwame Kilpatrick has earned every day he served in federal prison for the horrible crimes he committed against the people of Detroit; he is a notorious and unrepentant criminal."

Salomon Melgen — Commuted Sentence

Salomon Melgen had his sentence commuted after being convicted of Medicare fraud.

Jon Harder — Commuted Sentence

Jon Harder received a commuted sentence for misappropriating investment funds intended for a senior care facility.

Aviem Sella — Full Pardon

Aviem Sella was pardoned after being convicted for collecting US intelligence on behalf of the Israeli government.

David Tamman — Full Pardon

David Tamman was convicted on ten counts of fraud, altering records, and obstructing justice in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of $22 million. The wealthy continue to benefit while those who invested their life savings lost everything. This sets a troubling precedent.

Monstsho Eugene Vernon — Sentence Commuted

Monstsho Eugene Vernon had his sentence commuted after being convicted of multiple counts of bank robbery.

Jerry Donnell Walden — Commuted Sentence

Jerry Donnell Walden received a commuted sentence for possession and distribution of cocaine.

Eliyahu Weinstein — Full Pardon

Eliyahu Weinstein was granted a full pardon after serving 24 years for money laundering and real estate investment fraud.

Jawad A. Musa — Commuted Sentence

Jawad A. Musa is serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug-related offense. The decision to grant clemency in this case, supported by both the DA and the judge, raises questions that deserve further examination.

Michael Liberty — Full Pardon

Michael Liberty was pardoned after convictions related to campaign finance fraud.

Shalom Weiss — Sentence Commuted

Shalom Weiss, sentenced to 835 years for insurance fraud, had his sentence commuted, indicating the severity of his crimes.

Ferrell Damon Scott — Sentence Commuted

Ferrell Damon Scott is another individual whose life sentence for marijuana possession was commuted.

Jaime A. Davidson — Full Pardon

Jaime A. Davidson was sentenced to life for shooting an off-duty police officer. Testimonies against him have since been retracted, and the actual shooter has been convicted and released.

John Knock — Commuted Sentence

John Knock, a first-time offender sentenced to life for non-violent marijuana possession, served 24 years. This raises significant questions about the fairness of such sentences, especially in light of the many pardons for similar offenses.

These cases highlight an urgent need for reform, especially regarding non-violent drug offenses, which should not result in life sentences. The broader conversation about drug possession should shift towards treating it as a medical issue rather than a criminal one. Imprisonment often inflicts more harm than good on individuals struggling with addiction.

Moreover, the opportunity to extend clemency to Edward Snowden and Julian Assange was passed over, which raises further concerns about the selective nature of these pardons.

The examples mentioned represent just a portion of the pardons and clemency actions taken by the former President. Similar cases were omitted for brevity.

Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a journalism degree from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. He is recognized as a Top Writer in Fiction, Short Story, VR, NFL, Design, & Creativity. He serves as an editor for various publications, including Pop Off, Top Dalton’s Blog, 100WordStory, B.O.S.S., and SportsShorts100WordsOnly.

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