In a systematic display of political patronage, Trump granted executive clemency to a series of convicted individuals, prioritizing wealthy campaign contributors and ardent MAGA loyalists. These pardons represent a dramatic expansion of Trump’s first-term pardon strategy, transforming the …
Donald TrumpTrump AdministrationEd MartinMichele FioreTodd Chrisley+3 morepardonregulatory-capturepolitical-patronageexecutive-power-abusewhite-collar-crime
Trump’s pardon attorney Ed Martin explicitly politicized the presidential pardon power, announcing a strategy of pardoning political allies and supporters. This included pardoning Scott Jenkins, a former sheriff convicted of taking over $75,000 in bribes, signaling a dramatic shift in how …
Donald TrumpEd MartinScott Jenkinspardonpolitical-corruptionjustice-weaponizationexecutive-power-abuse
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft was pressured by the Trump White House to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services to avoid punitive executive orders. The firm negotiated under threat, joining other major law firms capitulating to similar White House demands. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse …
Donald TrumpCadwalader, Wickersham & TaftSenator Sheldon WhitehouseTodd Blanchegovernment-contractslegal-system-captureexecutive-power-abuse
The Trump administration pressured nine major law firms to provide $940 million worth of free legal services to defend administration policies and officials. Under threat of losing federal contracts and being blacklisted, firms like Paul Weiss, Kirkland & Ellis, and Skadden agreed to …
Trump AdministrationMajor law firmsPaul, WeissKirkland & EllisLatham & Watkins+6 morelegal-extortionlaw-firmscorruptionpro-bono-coerciongovernment-contracts+1 more
Trump’s Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi has systematically dismantled federal efforts to fight public corruption by pausing investigations into corporate bribery, weakening the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and disbanding key enforcement units. Key actions …
Donald TrumpPam BondiTodd BlancheTrump Administrationcorruptionforeign-influenceregulatory-capturejustice-weaponizationexecutive-power-abuse
President Trump summarily fired 17 federal inspectors general without explanation, violating the 1978 Inspector General Act. The mass firing targeted officials investigating key areas, including Defense Department IG Robert Storch (SpaceX compliance review) and Agriculture Department IG Phyllis Fong …
Donald TrumpSergio GorRobert StorchPhyllis FongLarry Turner+4 moreinspectors-generalwatchdog-purgemusk-investigationsoversight-destructionexecutive-power-abuse