Washington, D.C. — Congressional Democrats announced Thursday they are investigating whether corruption or political favoritism influenced President Donald Trump’s recent pardon decisions, focusing on several high-profile clemency recipients with financial or political ties to Republican circles.
Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont and Democratic Reps. Dave Min and Raul Ruiz sent letters to more than a dozen pardon recipients requesting records tied to donations, lobbying efforts, and communications with Trump allies or administration officials. Lawmakers said they are examining whether any pardons involved “pay-to-play” arrangements or quid pro quo agreements.
Among the individuals under scrutiny are Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, healthcare executive Paul Walczak, nursing home operator Joseph Schwartz, Oak View Group co-founder Timothy Leiweke, and entrepreneur Trevor Milton. Democrats noted that several recipients had connections to Trump donors, Republican lobbyists, or business associates close to the administration.
Schwartz reportedly paid nearly $1 million to lobbyists seeking a pardon after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges, according to reporting cited by lawmakers. Milton, who denied any connection between donations and his pardon, contributed to multiple Trump campaigns over the years.
Democrats are requesting financial records, communications, and details regarding interactions with administration officials. The investigation also highlights Trump’s broader shift away from the traditional Justice Department pardon review process in favor of a more direct White House-driven clemency system.
The White House had not publicly responded to the investigation at the time of publication.
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