Pardons for fraudsters and corrupt pols

Summary

Trump issued a wave of clemency for corrupt politicians and convicted fraudsters, many tied to donations or loyalty, including George Santos, Rod Blagojevich, reality-TV figures Todd and Julie Chrisley, and fraud convicts Trevor Milton and Carlos Watson. An analysis by California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office estimated that Trump's clemency grants across both of his terms erased nearly $2 billion in court-ordered or prosecutor-requested restitution, fines, and forfeitures.

What happened

Across 2025 Trump granted clemency to a series of figures convicted of corruption or fraud: he commuted George Santos's sentence on October 17, 2025, fully pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and reality-TV figures Todd and Julie Chrisley (bank fraud and tax evasion), and pardoned Trevor Milton (Nikola securities fraud) and commuted the sentence of Carlos Watson (Ozy Media fraud). Many recipients had ties to Trump donations or political loyalty. An analysis by California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office estimated that Trump's clemency across both of his terms erased nearly $2 billion in restitution, fines, and forfeitures (more than $1.3 billion of it restitution, including pending requests); the office noted these are not confirmed remaining balances and may double-count joint obligations.

Impact on the United States

Systematic use of the pardon power to nullify corruption and fraud convictions for allies and donors, eliminating restitution owed to victims and the Treasury and signaling that financial crime is forgivable for the loyal.

Documented effects

1. Oct 2025Trump commuted former Rep. George Santos's prison sentence on October 17, 2025.[1]
2. An analysis by California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office put the total erased by Trump's clemency across both terms at nearly $2 billion in restitution, fines, and forfeitures (more than $1.3 billion of it restitution), noting the figures may include pending requests and double-counted joint obligations.[3]
3. Sep 3, 2026On September 3, 2026 Trump granted 23 pardons and 6 commutations, including a commutation for former Philadelphia IBEW Local 98 leader John Dougherty, convicted of conspiracy to embezzle union and benefit-plan assets, 33 counts of embezzling union assets, 24 counts of wire fraud and honest-services fraud and bribery counts.[5]
4. Aug 21, 2026An August 21, 2026 House Judiciary Committee Democratic staff report ('Pardons, Inc.') estimated that Trump's clemency grants had erased nearly $1.7 billion in restitution, fines and forfeitures (a partisan staff estimate).[6]

Why this is rated severe

Clemency for people convicted of corruption or fraud, many with ties to Trump donations or political loyalty, erased restitution, fines and forfeitures that California's governor's office estimates at nearly $2 billion across both Trump terms (not confirmed remaining balances).

Corrections & updates [4]

Every change to a fact on this page after publication is logged here, newest first.

1. Sep 29, 2026UpdatedEffects

   Updated: on September 3, 2026 Trump granted 23 pardons and 6 commutations, including a commutation for former Philadelphia union leader John Dougherty, convicted of embezzling union assets, wire fraud and honest-services fraud (Justice Department clemency list). An August 21, 2026 House Judiciary Committee Democratic staff report estimated Trump's clemency grants erased nearly $1.7 billion in restitution, fines and forfeitures; that figure is a partisan staff estimate.[5][6]

2. Sep 29, 2026CorrectedFigure

   The 'nearly $2 billion' estimate from California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office covers Trump's clemency grants across both of his terms, not only this 2025 wave. It combines more than $1.3 billion in restitution (including pending restitution requests) with fines and forfeitures, and the office notes the amounts are not confirmed remaining balances and may double-count joint obligations.[3]

3. Sep 29, 2026CorrectedSeverity rationale

   The rationale said clemency 'nullified' convictions and was for 'corrupt allies and donors.' Clemency does not erase convictions, and the record says many recipients had donor or political ties. The wording now matches the record. Severity unchanged.[3]

   + Show previous and current text- Hide previous and current text

   Previously

   Systematic clemency for corrupt allies and donors nullified fraud convictions and erased court-ordered restitution and penalties that California's governor's office estimates at nearly $2 billion across both Trump terms.

   Now

   Clemency for people convicted of corruption or fraud, many with ties to Trump donations or political loyalty, erased restitution, fines and forfeitures that California's governor's office estimates at nearly $2 billion across both Trump terms (not confirmed remaining balances).

4. Sep 29, 2026ClarifiedDisplay copy

   The summary line now describes recipients as the record does and states the scope of the California estimate.

   Previously

   Clemency for donors and allies erased court-ordered repayments; a California estimate puts the two-term total near $2 billion.

   Now

   Clemency for people convicted of corruption and fraud, many with donor or political ties, erased repayments a California estimate puts near $2 billion across both terms.

Sources [6]