Trump's Pardon Power: A Tool for Allies and Cash?

Donald Trump's use of presidential pardons has sparked a lot of criticism. Many see it as a way to reward friends and allies, not to correct injustices. Trump has pardoned hundreds of people. Many are linked to him politically or financially. This includes people who attacked the Capitol on January 6 and a crypto billionaire with ties to Trump's family business. Legal experts say this is not how pardons should work. Pardons should be for people who show remorse and deserve a second chance. But Trump's pardons seem to go to those who have connections and money. One example is George Santos. He was a disgraced politician who pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft. Yet, Trump commuted his seven-year sentence after just a few months. Another example is Changpeng Zhao. He is the founder of Binance, a big crypto exchange. He pleaded guilty to breaking money-laundering laws and served a short sentence. Trump pardoned him, even though Zhao had lobbied for it. Trump's pardon attorney, Ed Martin, is also controversial. He has ties to Trump's political movement and has been accused of favoring Trump allies. Martin has pardoned over 70 Trump allies, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows. Legal experts say this is a misuse of power. They compare it to bribery, where pardons are given in exchange for loyalty and money. This undermines the justice system and the rule of law.