Presidential pardons are among the most powerful acts of a U.S. president. They are also one of the most controversial, and have gained prominence in recent years. Opposing political parties typically criticize their use, but the trend is clear. The usage of pardons is increasing dramatically in recent administrations.
While many presidents issue a modest number of clemency actions during their terms, Donald Trump has dramatically expanded the scope and scale of this executive privilege. From 2017 through early 2025, Trump issued clemency to over 1,700 individuals, including political allies, controversial figures, and people convicted in high-profile cases.
This trend takes on added weight in 2025, with President Trump’s second term marked by sweeping and politically charged pardons. The most significant being over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riot. The sheer number and nature of these pardons, such as those involving former reality stars, campaign donors, and former Trump aides, continue to generate headlines and fuel debate about presidential authority and legal accountability.
This slideshow dives into Trump’s most notable clemency actions, from longtime associates like Roger Stone and Paul Manafort to newer cases such as Todd and Julie Chrisley. Each slide provides context, dates, and the rationale behind these pardons, offering insight into how and why Trump continues to use this presidential power.
Trump’s Use of Presidential Pardons
- Presidential pardons are acts of clemency that absolve individuals of crimes or reduce their sentences.
- Donald Trump has issued an unusually high number of pardons compared to past presidents.
- These pardons have included political allies, public figures, and participants in controversial events.
First Term Pardons (2017–2021)
- Trump granted clemency to 237 individuals during his first term, comprised of 143 pardons and 94 commutations.
- These included political figures, military personnel, and individuals involved in high-profile legal cases.
- Records of these actions are maintained by the Department of Justice.
Second Term Pardons (2025–Present)
- As of January 2025, Trump had granted clemency to over 1,500 people.
- The most notable group included those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
- DOJ records outline the scale and scope of these second-term pardons.
Todd and Julie Chrisley – Reality TV Couple
- Convicted in 2022 for bank fraud and tax evasion in a $36 million scheme.
- Todd was serving a 12-year sentence, and Julie a 7 year term.
- Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, led a public campaign for their pardon.
The Pardon: Todd and Julie Chrisley
- President Trump pardoned the Chrisleys on May 27, 2025.
- The pardon followed high profile media appearances and Savannah’s speech at the 2024 RNC.
- Trump personally called Savannah to deliver the news.
Ross Ulbricht – Silk Road Founder
- Ulbricht was serving a life sentence for creating the Silk Road darknet marketplace.
- Convictions included conspiracy to launder money and computer hacking.
- His pardon was backed by cryptocurrency and libertarian supporters.
The Pardon: Ross Ulbricht
- Pardoned on January 21, 2025 by Trump.
- Support from online freedom and crypto advocates played a key role.
- The move remains controversial due to the scale of his crimes.
January 6 Defendants – Mass Pardon
- Included individuals convicted of sedition, obstruction, and trespassing.
- Around 1,500 people received full pardons.
- High-profile figures like Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes had sentences commuted.
The Pardon: January 6 Defendants
- Pardons were issued on January 20, 2025.
- It was one of the broadest clemency actions in U.S. history.
- The decision sparked intense political debate nationwide.
Scott Jenkins – Virginia Sheriff
- Convicted of accepting bribes in return for deputy badges.
- Was serving a 10 year federal sentence.
- His pardon was part of a broader May 2025 clemency wave.
The Pardon: Scott Jenkins
- Pardoned in May 2025 during a round of multiple clemency actions.
- The case was seen as a political loyalty reward by critics.
Michele Fiore – Misuse of Charity Funds
- Former Las Vegas councilwoman convicted of using charity funds for personal gain.
- Faced a potential 20 year sentence before her pardon.
The Pardon: Michele Fiore
- Pardoned in April 2025.
- Her mother attended a luxury fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago shortly before the pardon.
- Raised concerns about pay-to-play politics.
Paul Walczak – Tax Evasion
- Convicted of major tax fraud.
- Pardoned soon after his mother attended a $1 million per plate Mar-a-Lago event.
The Pardon: Paul Walczak
- Received a pardon in April 2025.
- The timing of the pardon led to scrutiny over donor influence.
Michael Flynn – National Security Advisor
- Convicted of lying to the FBI in the Russia investigation.
- Initially pleaded guilty, later tried to reverse plea.
The Pardon: Michael Flynn
- Pardoned on November 25, 2020.
- The case became a conservative cause célèbre during Trump’s presidency.
Roger Stone – Trump Ally
- Convicted of obstruction and witness tampering in the Mueller probe.
- Sentence was commuted and later fully pardoned.
The Pardon: Roger Stone
- Commutation issued in July 2020, full pardon in December 2020.
- Sparked legal ethics debates nationwide.
Paul Manafort – Campaign Chairman
- Convicted of tax fraud and failing to report foreign accounts.
- Served part of sentence in home confinement.
The Pardon: Paul Manafort
- Pardoned on December 23, 2020.
- Seen as part of a pattern of pardoning political allies.
Charles Kushner – Real Estate Tycoon
- Convicted in 2005 for tax evasion and witness tampering.
- Father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son inlaw.
The Pardon: Charles Kushner
- Pardoned on December 23, 2020.
- One of Trump’s most personal clemency decisions.
Dinesh D’Souza – Political Commentator
- Convicted of using straw donors for campaign contributions.
- Pleaded guilty and received probation and a fine.
The Pardon: Dinesh D’Souza
- Pardoned on May 31, 2018.
- Trump cited unfair treatment as justification.
Joe Arpaio – Controversial Sheriff
- Convicted of criminal contempt for defying a court order to halt racial profiling.
- Awaited sentencing when pardoned.
The Pardon: Joe Arpaio
- Pardoned on August 25, 2017.
- Was Trump’s first presidential pardon.
Alice Marie Johnson – Drug Offender
- First-time nonviolent drug offender sentenced to life.
- Her case gained celebrity attention.
The Pardon: Alice Marie Johnson
- Sentence commuted in 2018
- Full pardon granted in 2020.
- Became a voice for criminal justice reform.
Scooter Libby – Cheney Aide
- Convicted of perjury and obstruction in the Plame CIA leak case.
- Sentence was commuted by Bush before Trump’s pardon.
The Pardon: Scooter Libby
- Trump granted a full pardon in April 2018.
- Said it corrected a long-standing injustice.
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