President Trump’s Most Controversial Pardons

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During his second term, President Donald Trump has issued a series of pardons, some of which have been, let’s say, um, controversial…

From reality TV stars to political allies, these decisions have been both lauded and criticized. Here’s a closer look at some of the most controversial pardons granted by Trump, starting with two of the most recent pardons just last week.

Todd and Julie Chrisley

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Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 for bank fraud and tax evasion, accused of defrauding banks of over $30 million and concealing income from the IRS. They began serving their sentences in January 2023.

Who they are: Stars of “Chrisley Knows Best” convicted of financial crimes

Date pardoned: May 27, 2025

NBA YoungBoy

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Rapper Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known as NBA YoungBoy, was serving a 23-month sentence for federal gun charges when he received a pardon from Trump.

Who they are: Rapper convicted on federal gun charges

Date pardoned: May 28, 2025

Larry Hoover

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Larry Hoover, founder of the Gangster Disciples gang, was serving six life sentences for various crimes including conspiracy and drug trafficking. Trump commuted his federal sentence in May 2025.

Who they are: Founder of the Gangster Disciples gang, convicted of multiple federal crimes

Date pardoned: May 28, 2025

Paul Walczak

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Florida healthcare executive Paul Walczak was convicted of tax fraud, having misused over $7 million in employee payroll taxes for personal luxuries. His pardon came shortly after his mother attended a $1 million-per-head fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club.

Who they are: Healthcare executive convicted of tax fraud

Date pardoned: April 23, 2025

January 6 Capitol Rioters

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On his first day back in office, Trump issued blanket pardons to over 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, including members of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

Who they are: Individuals convicted for participating in the January 6 Capitol riot

Date pardoned: January 20, 2025

Trump quote: “This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation.”

Ross Ulbricht

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Ross Ulbricht, founder of the dark web marketplace Silk Road, was serving a life sentence for multiple charges including narcotics distribution and money laundering. His pardon was celebrated by some in the cryptocurrency community.

Who they are: Founder of Silk Road, convicted of operating a darknet drug marketplace

Date pardoned: January 21, 2025

Andrew Zabavsky and Terence Sutton

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Washington, D.C. police officers Andrew Zabavsky and Terence Sutton were convicted for their roles in the 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown during a police pursuit. Both were pardoned by Trump in January 2025.

Who they are: D.C. police officers convicted in the death of Karon Hylton-Brown

Date pardoned: January 22, 2025

Trevor Milton

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Trevor Milton, founder and former CEO of Nikola Corporation, was convicted of securities and wire fraud for misleading investors about the company’s technology. He was granted a full pardon by Trump in March 2025.

Who they are: Founder of Nikola Corporation, convicted of securities and wire fraud

Date pardoned: March 28, 2025

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