Trump s 5 Most Unusual Pardons: From Whiskey To Asbestos And Beef
01/20/21 AT 10:48 AM Former aide Steve Bannon was one of 73 people pardoned by US President Donald Trump on his last day in office Photo: AFP / JIM WATSON
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Many were granted for non-violent drug offenses
Trump family, Kyle Rittenhouse not among those offered relief
President Donald Trump handed out nearly 100 commutations and pardons in one of his last acts as the head of state. Several high-profile pardons predictably went to his staunch supporters, but some of the others may surprise you.
Steve Bannon was pardoned for his role in defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors as part of a scheme to raise money for Trump’s border wall. Rapper Lil’ Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was pardoned for a 10-year-old federal firearms conviction.
Donald Trump grants clemency to 144 people (not himself or family members) in final hours Kevin Johnson, David Jackson and Dennis Wagner, USA TODAY
President Trump grants clemency to 148 people, but not for himself or his family
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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly used his clemency authority as a political tool rather than an act of mercy, issued a final wave of pardons and commutations during his final hours in office, delivering relief for a mix of beneficiaries that included former strategist Steve Bannon, Republican Party and Trump fundraiser Elliott Broidy and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, found guilty in 2013 of corruption charges.
News StaffJanuary 20, 2021News
WASHINGTON, DC – In his last full day of office Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a long list of commutations and pardons. Those included South Dakotans previously convicted of felonies. The pardons were supported by Gov. Kristi Noem and Sen. Mike Rounds.
In letters sent to the President in November, Governor Kristi Noem advocated for presidential pardons for some South Dakotans.
“I am tremendously thankful to President Trump for his support of these three pardons,” Governor Noem said. “The Trump administration has done an excellent job balancing justice with forgiveness, and [Tuesday night’s] pardons will provide these individuals with a second chance to continue as productive members of our South Dakota community.”