Opinion: Trump's Pardon Controversy, Analysts Reveal the Interests Behind the Clemency

According to ChainCatcher news and CCN reports, former U.S. Department of Justice pardon attorney Liz Oyer pointed out that the pardons issued during President Trump's term have waived over $1 billion in fines and compensation. By mid-2025, Trump had approved over 1,500 pardon cases, surpassing the record of most presidents during the same period. Analysts at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York published a report in June noting that lobbying and consulting firms connected to Trump charge wealthy clients up to $5 million to assist in delivering pardon requests to the president. The report describes the growing economic system behind pardons, where political connections and financial capabilities determine the outcomes of pardons. Previously, Binance founder CZ was pardoned after serving 4 months for money laundering, and Trump claimed he did not know him, sparking critics to question that Trump’s pardon system has devolved into a commodity of privilege, determined by wealth and connections on who can receive clemency. In response, the White House stated that before Trump signed the pardon for CZ, the matter underwent the most serious consideration and thorough review process.