Trump’s Pardon Practices Legalize Corruption, Experts Warn

The recent pardon granted to Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, has raised significant concerns among legal experts. Hernández was serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for leading one of the most notorious drug-trafficking enterprises in the world.

Trump’s Pardon Practices Legalize Corruption, Experts Warn

This controversial pardon aligns with an established pattern under former President Donald Trump, who has increasingly used his clemency powers to assist political allies and individuals with connections. Since taking office, Trump has issued over 2,000 pardons and commutations, far exceeding the number issued during his first term.

Questionable Pardons and Their Implications

• Former Nursing Home Executive: Received a pardon after his mother attended a fundraiser bringing in $1 million for Trump.
• Trevor Milton: CEO of the defunct electric truck company Nikola, received a full pardon following his conviction for defrauding investors. Notably, Milton and his wife contributed nearly $2 million to a Trump-aligned Super PAC shortly before the 2024 elections.
• Changpeng Zhao: Known as “crypto’s richest man,” he was pardoned after pleading guilty to money laundering linked to Hamas and Russian drug traffickers. His connections to Trump’s crypto ventures raised eyebrows.

These pardons extend to various individuals involved in corruption and fraud, including George Santos, Rod Blagojevich, and several local politicians. Such actions suggest that loyalty to Trump can lead to significant judicial benefits, undermining the principle of justice.

Critics Call for Reform

Legal experts argue that these pardons represent an abuse of power, enabling a culture where political loyalty supersedes ethical governance. Many believe that reforms are necessary to prevent the misuse of presidential pardon powers. Proposed solutions include:

• A constitutional amendment to limit presidential pardons, particularly preventing self-pardons.
• The Abuse of Power Prevention Act, requiring the Department of Justice to provide detailed information on pardons to Congress.

With growing calls for accountability in governance, many fear that the normalization of such pardons could erode democratic integrity. The narrative surrounding these clemency acts emphasizes a troubling trend within American politics, where corruption is often downplayed or ignored.

The ongoing situation underscores the need for a dedicated effort to restore accountability and trust in governmental institutions. As public awareness of these practices increases, a shift towards reform may become inevitable, reflecting society’s fundamental rejection of corruption.