Trump’s Pardon Power: A New Game of Influence

The former president leveraged his clemency authority in ways that feel more political than merciful. He acted on requests almost immediately after taking office, bypassing the slow process that many presidents observe. The speed and lack of standard checks made it easy for people with money or connections to obtain a pardon.

One example is the case of Anne Pramaggiore, once a top executive in Chicago who was convicted for arranging fake jobs. She hired lobbyists, including former governor Rod Blagojevich, to push her for a presidential pardon. Blagojevich had himself been freed by Trump years earlier, so he knew the path to success.

The pattern shows a network of lobbyists and former aides—people like Ed Martin, Alice Johnson, and Sean Hayes—who act as intermediaries. They try to get the president’s attention by framing cases as personal injustices against the DOJ or as political betrayals.

Trump’s approach is different from past presidents who often waited until the end of their terms or adhered to a formal review process. He used the pardon power for political allies, celebrities, and even corporations, sometimes after a legal victory or an ongoing investigation.

This rapid, high‑profile use of clemency has sparked criticism that the process is now a market. Wealthy individuals can hire lawyers, lobbyists and even attend lavish events to secure favors, while ordinary people with legitimate claims may be ignored. The system’s fairness is questioned because the pardon power can now feel like a “buy‑in” rather than a true exercise of mercy.