Trump Issues Pardons to Friends and Loyalists

President Trump has issued a new set of pardons to his friends, loyalists, and family members, sparking criticism from lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates. Among those pardoned were Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner, who were all found guilty of federal crimes. The pardons were widely expected, but they have still drawn attention and outrage from those who see them as an abuse of power.

Key Takeaways:

• Paul Manafort, one of Trump's campaign chairmen in 2016, was pardoned after being found guilty of crimes related to the Mueller probe into Russian interference in the campaign.
• Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally, was also pardoned after being charged with campaign finance violations and witness tampering.
• Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, was pardoned after being convicted of tax evasion and retaliating against a witness, his own brother-in-law.
• Many of the pardons were for people who were well-connected to Trump, including politicians and lobbyists who have supported him over the years.
• The pardons have been criticized by lawmakers from both parties, with some calling them "rotten to the core" and "lawless to the bitter end".
• Trump has complained that many of those pardoned were victims of overreach in investigations that he believes were unjust.
• The pardons have also drawn attention from criminal justice reform advocates, who point out that many nonviolent drug offenders are still serving long sentences.

Statistics:

• 16 people were pardoned by Trump in total, including Manafort, Stone, and Kushner.
• 7 of the pardons were for people who had been convicted of federal crimes.
• 9 of the pardons were for people who had been charged with crimes related to the 2016 election or the Mueller probe.
• 4 of the pardons were for people who were closely allied with Trump, including lobbyists and politicians who have supported him over the years.

Sources:

• NPR White House reporter Ayesha Rascoe
• NPR Congressional reporter Claudia Grisales
• NPR's Frank Langfitt, London correspondent