A presidential pardon, also known as clemency, isn’t an act that occurs every single day. These pardons are often difficult to attain, as they tend to absolve people of hefty fines or even jail sentences.
Not every president pardons thousands of people in any given term, but President Trump appears to be an exception. There are a number of reasons why President Trump has pardoned so many, but you may not yet be aware of who or why these pardons have occurred.
Using official government reports and news sources, 247 Tempo has compiled a list of President Trump’s notable pardons. We’ve also included the total number of pardons President Trump has issued, both from this term and his first term in 2017.
Let’s dive into these pardons and why they came about in the first place.
First Term Pardon Total (2017–2021)
Total Clemency Actions: 237 individuals received pardons, commutations, or other forms of clemency.
Notable Recipients: Included political allies, military personnel, and individuals involved in high-profile cases.
Official Records: The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a comprehensive list of these clemency grants: Pardons Granted by President Donald J. Trump (2017-2021).
Second Term Pardon Total (2025–Present)
Total Clemency Actions: As of January 22, 2025, President Trump had granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals.
Notable Actions: Included a sweeping pardon for individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack.
Official Records: The Department of Justice provides details on these clemency grants here: Clemency Grants by President Donald J. Trump (2025-Present).
Todd and Julie Chrisley
What it was for: Convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion involving a $36 million scheme.
When it occurred: Pardoned on May 27, 2025.
Additional details:
- Todd was serving a 12-year sentence; Julie was serving a 7-year sentence.
- Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, actively campaigned for their pardon, including speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
- President Trump personally called Savannah to inform her of the pardon.
- Their reality show, “Chrisley Knows Best,” was canceled following their sentencing.
Ross Ulbricht
What it was for: Founder of the Silk Road online marketplace; convicted of multiple charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering and computer hacking.
When it occurred: Pardoned on January 21, 2025.
Additional details:
January 6th Defendants
What it was for: Various offenses related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including sedition and obstruction.
When it occurred: Pardoned on January 20, 2025.
Additional details:
Scott Jenkins
What it was for: Former Virginia sheriff convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for deputy badges.
When it occurred: Pardoned in May 2025.
Additional details:
Michele Fiore
What it was for: Former Las Vegas city councilwoman convicted of misusing charity funds for personal expenses.
When it occurred: Pardoned in April 2025.
Additional details:
- Fiore faced a potential 20-year sentence.
- The pardon followed her mother’s attendance at a high-priced fundraising event at Mar-a-Lago.
Paul Walczak
What it was for: Convicted tax evader.
When it occurred: Pardoned in April 2025.
Additional details:
- The pardon was granted shortly after his mother attended a $1 million-per-plate fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago.
Michael Flynn
What it was for: Convicted of making false statements to the FBI during the investigation into Russian election interference.
When it occurred: Pardoned on November 25, 2020.
Additional details:
- Former National Security Advisor to President Trump.
- Initially pleaded guilty but later attempted to withdraw the plea.
- His case became a major political flashpoint during the Trump administration.
Roger Stone
What it was for: Convicted of obstruction, witness tampering, and making false statements related to the Mueller investigation.
When it occurred: Sentence commuted on July 10, 2020; full pardon granted on December 23, 2020.
Additional details:
- Longtime Trump associate and political operative.
- Was sentenced to 40 months in prison but never served time.
- His pardon was controversial and widely criticized by legal observers.
Paul Manafort
What it was for: Convicted of financial crimes including tax fraud, bank fraud, and failing to disclose foreign bank accounts.
When it occurred: Pardoned on December 23, 2020.
Additional details:
- Trump’s former campaign chairman.
- Had been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison.
- Served part of his sentence under home confinement due to COVID-19 concerns.
Charles Kushner
What it was for: Convicted in 2005 of tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering.
When it occurred: Pardoned on December 23, 2020.
Additional details:
- Father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law.
- Served 14 months in federal prison prior to the pardon.
- His case was one of the most personal pardons of Trump’s presidency.
Dinesh D’Souza
What it was for: Convicted of making illegal campaign contributions through straw donors.
When it occurred: Pardoned on May 31, 2018.
Additional details:
- Conservative political commentator and filmmaker.
- Pleaded guilty in 2014 and was sentenced to 5 years of probation and a $30,000 fine.
- Trump cited D’Souza’s perceived unfair treatment as justification for the pardon.
Joe Arpaio
What it was for: Convicted of criminal contempt of court for defying a federal judge’s order to stop racial profiling practices.
When it occurred: Pardoned on August 25, 2017.
Additional details:
- Former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona.
- Known for harsh and controversial immigration enforcement tactics.
- Was awaiting sentencing when the pardon was issued.
Alice Marie Johnson
What it was for: Convicted of nonviolent drug trafficking and money laundering.
When it occurred: Sentence commuted on June 6, 2018; full pardon granted on August 28, 2020.
Additional details:
- First-time offender sentenced to life in prison.
- Her case gained national attention after Kim Kardashian West advocated for her release.
- Became a criminal justice reform advocate after her release.
Scooter Libby
What it was for: Convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in the Valerie Plame leak investigation.
When it occurred: Pardoned on April 13, 2018.
Additional details:
- Former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.
- Had his sentence commuted by President George W. Bush in 2007.
- Trump issued a full pardon more than a decade later, citing perceived injustices.
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