Commodification of Presidential Pardons Undermines Legal Integrity - Episode Hero Image

Commodification of Presidential Pardons Undermines Legal Integrity

Pablo Torre Finds Out · · Listen to Original Episode →
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TL;DR

  • The presidential pardon system has been commodified, with access and freedom now being "bought" through a social network of individuals connected to the president, bypassing traditional merit-based processes.
  • Pardons are increasingly granted based on political connections and financial contributions rather than established legal or ethical standards, creating a "pardon economy" that favors the wealthy and well-connected.
  • The vetting process for pardons has been significantly weakened, with traditional standards and rigorous requirements for reporting lobbying and legal services being bypassed, leading to opaque and potentially corrupt outcomes.
  • Individuals with significant wealth or connections can now pay hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars to lawyers and lobbyists to secure pardons, effectively closing off the process to ordinary citizens.
  • The administration has demonstrated a pattern of pardoning individuals involved in financial fraud and other crimes, often with minimal public announcement, fundamentally altering the concept of legal consequence.
  • The pardon process under this administration has shifted from a merit-based system to one driven by personal relationships and financial incentives, undermining the integrity of constitutional forgiveness.

Deep Dive

The presidential pardon power, historically a tool for clemency and justice, has been transformed into a commodified "cottage industry" under Donald Trump. This shift bypasses traditional vetting processes and creates a "pardon economy" where access and financial influence, rather than merit, determine who receives clemency, thereby fundamentally altering the concept of legal consequence.

The core of this transformation lies in the erosion of established procedures and the rise of direct access to the president or his inner circle. Unlike previous administrations where pardon applications were diligently processed through the Pardon Attorney's office, the Trump administration has seen a dramatic increase in pardons granted outside this system. This is exemplified by the case of Darryl Strawberry, a baseball legend convicted of tax evasion and drug possession, who received a pardon after his friend Larry Glick, an executive at the Trump Organization, advocated on his behalf. This direct advocacy, bypassing formal channels, highlights how personal connections and proximity to power have become the primary drivers for clemency. The situation is further complicated by the politicization of the pardon process, where individuals like "Eagle Ed" Martin, who replaced Liz Oyer as Pardon Attorney, openly align with "No MAGA left behind" slogans and refer to January 6th events as "Mardi Gras," signaling a departure from impartial justice.

The implications of this commodified pardon system are far-reaching. It not only allows individuals with financial means and political connections to circumvent legal accountability, as seen with Trevor Milton, founder of the fraudulent Nikola truck company, who secured a pardon after a substantial donation to a Trump re-election fund, but also undermines the very notion of law and order. The case of Joseph Schwartz, who defrauded the government of $38 million, and was pardoned after hiring lobbyists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, who themselves have a history of legal troubles and voter suppression tactics, illustrates how individuals with questionable pasts can leverage specialized lobbying efforts to secure presidential clemency. This creates a system where pardons are granted not for demonstrated rehabilitation or public interest, but as political favors or rewards for financial contributions, effectively creating a two-tiered justice system where the law applies differently based on one's connections and ability to pay. The pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who secured clemency after hiring lobbyists and whose company established business ties with a Trump family crypto venture, further underscores the transactional nature of this new pardon economy, where financial and political alignment trumps legal due process.

Ultimately, this transformation of the pardon power signifies a profound shift away from traditional legal and ethical standards. The once-formal process has devolved into an opaque system driven by personal relationships, financial transactions, and political loyalty. This "free-for-all" environment, where even individuals with serious convictions can secure clemency through influential connections, suggests a deliberate disregard for established legal vetting and a move towards a system where "nothing matters" beyond the capacity to influence those in power.

Action Items

  • Audit pardon process: Identify 3-5 key decision points and document criteria for evaluating merit vs. political influence.
  • Track lobbying expenditures: Monitor $960,000+ in lobbying fees for pardon applications to assess ROI and identify patterns.
  • Analyze pardon recipient profiles: Categorize 10-15 pardoned individuals by crime type, political connection, and financial contribution to Trump campaigns.
  • Evaluate pardon attorney role: Assess the impact of Ed Martin's tenure on the volume and nature of pardon applications processed.
  • Measure restitution avoidance: Calculate the total value of restitution waived for 3-5 pardoned individuals to quantify financial impact.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"The economy, what do you call the cottage industry around this, in which a social network of people are selling access and successfully buying freedom."

The author highlights the development of a "cottage industry" surrounding presidential pardons, where access and freedom are effectively commodified. This suggests that the process has become less about justice and more about a transactional system. The phrase "selling access and successfully buying freedom" implies a direct correlation between payment or connection and the outcome of a pardon.

"But Donald Trump, the thing that makes him unique, I think, is that he is addicted to pardoning people."

This quote posits that Donald Trump's approach to pardons is distinct due to what the speaker describes as an "addiction" to granting them. The speaker suggests this is a defining characteristic of his presidency, implying a pattern of behavior that goes beyond typical presidential clemency. This framing suggests a compulsive element to his use of pardon power.

"The difference that my source, my Trump world lawyer source, impressed upon me is that, look, the economy, what do you call the cottage industry around this, in which a social network of people are selling access and successfully buying freedom."

The author's source, a lawyer connected to "Trump world," emphasizes the existence of a "cottage industry" surrounding presidential pardons. This industry is characterized by a social network where individuals sell access and, consequently, facilitate the "buying" of freedom. The source's perspective underscores the transactional and network-driven nature of obtaining pardons in this context.

"The reason that I was asked, I believe, is because as a career official, it would give some sort of legitimacy or the appearance of legitimacy to what was really a political favor for a friend of the president."

Liz Oyer explains her belief that she was asked to make a recommendation regarding Mel Gibson's gun rights because her position as a career official would lend an air of legitimacy to a decision that was essentially a political favor. This suggests that the process was being manipulated to appear official, even when the underlying motivation was personal or political. Oyer implies that her refusal was based on ethical grounds, while the request was based on presidential preference.

"And so Ed Martin kind of came to prominence by, by coming out, you know, Trump was abandoned, right? Everybody left him. Everybody left him, kind of like Jesus Christ, actually."

This quote describes Ed Martin's rise to prominence by aligning himself with Donald Trump during a period when, according to the speaker, Trump was perceived as abandoned by many. The comparison to Jesus Christ suggests a narrative of loyalty and defense against perceived betrayal. Ed Martin's actions are framed as a staunch defense of Trump when others distanced themselves.

"And so my Trump world lawyer source was like, 'Listen, this was last week. He was like, 'Listen, we've been talking about this pardon stuff for a while. You should know that the block's hotter than it's been before because of the CZ thing.'"

The author's source indicates that the process of obtaining pardons has become more scrutinized or difficult due to the "CZ thing," referring to the case of Changpeng Zhao. The phrase "the block's hotter than it's been before" suggests increased attention and potentially more stringent conditions or scrutiny surrounding pardon applications. This implies that recent high-profile cases have heightened the sensitivity around the pardon process.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Passion of the Christ" - Mentioned in relation to Mel Gibson's filmography.

Articles & Papers

  • "ProPublica report" - Cited regarding the low number of pardon applications processed through the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
  • "60 Minutes interview" - Referenced for Donald Trump's admission about pardoning CZ.
  • "New York Times interview" - Mentioned for Donald Trump's statement about Sean Combs seeking a pardon.

People

  • Brace Belden - Guest, co-host of TrueAnon.
  • Liz Franczak - TrueAnon co-host, mentioned as being pregnant.
  • Dan Le Batard - Mentioned as a player of Royal Kingdom.
  • Hunter Biden - Mentioned as a potential first choice guest.
  • Daryl Strawberry - Baseball legend, discussed in relation to his pardon and past legal issues.
  • Pam Bondi - Former prosecutor, mentioned for her role in Daryl Strawberry's case and advocating for Mel Gibson's gun rights.
  • Larry Glick - Executive Vice President of Strategic Development at the Trump Organization, mentioned for his role in Daryl Strawberry's pardon.
  • Johnny Damon - Mentioned in relation to Daryl Strawberry's pardon.
  • Liz Oyer - Former Pardon Attorney for the Department of Justice, discussed her refusal to reinstate Mel Gibson's gun rights and subsequent firing.
  • Mel Gibson - Actor, discussed in relation to domestic violence allegations, leaked recordings, and his gun rights.
  • Jim Caviezel - Actor, mentioned for his role in "The Passion of the Christ."
  • Steve Bannon - Mentioned in relation to his public persona and accusations of ripping people off.
  • Roger Stone - Mentioned in relation to his public persona and being a swinger.
  • Eagle Ed Martin - US Attorney, discussed for his role in the pardon process and his public statements.
  • Phil Shifley - Mentioned as a figure in the conservative movement, with Eagle Ed Martin being an heir to her group.
  • Joseph Padilla - January 6th political prisoner, represented by Eagle Ed Martin.
  • Timothy Hale Kusanelli - Convicted January 6th rioter, mentioned in relation to Eagle Ed Martin.
  • Letitia James - Attorney General, mentioned for fines against Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman.
  • James Comey - Mentioned in relation to potential failures in prosecuting certain individuals.
  • Bill Polty - Mentioned as a sponsor of the show and involved in a legal group chat.
  • Scott Jenkins - Sheriff in Virginia, mentioned for selling badges for cash and receiving a pardon.
  • Michelle Fiore - Elected official in Nevada, mentioned for misusing funds for a memorial and receiving a pardon.
  • Alice Johnson - Pardon Czar, mentioned as having been granted clemency by Trump.
  • NBA Youngboy - Rapper, mentioned as having been pardoned by President Trump.
  • Boosie Badazz - Rapper, mentioned as trying to get a pardon.
  • Susie Wiles - Mentioned as a contact in the White House.
  • Joseph Schwartz - Defrauded the government of $38 million, received a pardon.
  • Jacob Wohl - Lobbyist, discussed for his role in seeking pardons and past legal issues.
  • Jack Burkman - Lobbyist, discussed for his role in seeking pardons and past legal issues.
  • Pete Buttigieg - Mentioned in relation to Jacob Wohl's fake Me Too accusations.
  • Elizabeth Warren - Mentioned in relation to Jacob Wohl's fake Me Too accusations.
  • Robert Mueller - Mentioned in relation to Jacob Wohl's fake Me Too accusations.
  • Laura Loomer - Mentioned as a prominent figure who has stuck around.
  • Trevor Milton - Founder of Nikola, convicted of securities and wire fraud, received a pardon.
  • Changpeng Zhao (CZ) - Founder of Binance, received a pardon.
  • Donald Trump Jr. - Mentioned in relation to Chris McDowell.
  • Chris McDowell - Lobbyist, hired by CZ.
  • Teresa Goody Guillen - Crypto lawyer, hired by Binance and CZ.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell - Mentioned in relation to betting lines.
  • Pete Rose - Baseball player, discussed in relation to a potential posthumous pardon and tax evasion.

Organizations & Institutions

  • TrueAnon - Podcast mentioned as the source of Brace Belden.
  • Blue Apron - Meal kit service, mentioned as a sponsor.
  • Acast - Podcast hosting platform, mentioned as a sponsor.
  • Royal Kingdom - Mobile game, mentioned as a sponsor.
  • Royal Match - Game mentioned as the creator of Royal Kingdom.
  • New York Times Games - Mentioned for their games like Connections, Strands, Wordle, and Spelling Bee.
  • Department of Justice - Mentioned in relation to Liz Oyer's former role.
  • Trump Organization - Mentioned in relation to Larry Glick.
  • Trump Golf - Mentioned in relation to Larry Glick.
  • Eagle Forum - Conservative group, mentioned in relation to Phil Shifley.
  • CNN - News network, mentioned in relation to Eagle Ed Martin and Donald Trump's interview.
  • Wikipedia - Mentioned in relation to Eagle Ed Martin's letters.
  • FBI - Mentioned in relation to Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman staging a fake raid.
  • World Liberty Financial - Trump family crypto venture.
  • Binance - Crypto exchange, mentioned in relation to CZ's pardon.
  • Checkmate Government Relations - Lobbying firm hired by CZ.
  • SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission, mentioned in relation to Teresa Goody Guillen.
  • UAE (United Arab Emirates) - Mentioned in relation to CZ's citizenship and a fund's investment.
  • Polymarket - Mentioned as a sponsor.
  • Maga - Political movement, mentioned in various contexts.
  • Cincinnati Reds - Baseball team, mentioned in relation to Pete Rose.
  • Cooperstown - Baseball Hall of Fame location.

Websites & Online Resources

  • blueapron.com - Website for Blue Apron.
  • acast.com - Website for Acast.
  • nytimes.com/games - Website for New York Times Games.
  • go.acast.com/academy - Website for Acast Ads Academy.
  • radaronline.com - Website mentioned in relation to Mel Gibson's leaked recordings.
  • instagram.com - Social media platform, mentioned for DMs and posts.
  • mlbbro.com - Website where Daryl Strawberry was interviewed.
  • substack.com - Platform for newsletters, mentioned in relation to Eagle Ed Martin.
  • propublica.org - Mentioned for reporting on pardons.

Podcasts & Audio

  • Pablo Torre Finds Out - The podcast where this episode is featured.
  • TrueAnon - Podcast mentioned as Brace Belden's show.
  • Am I Doing It Wrong - Podcast mentioned as being powered by Acast.
  • Back to the Bar - Podcast mentioned as hosted by Christy and Kelly.

Other Resources

  • Presidential Pardon - The central theme of the episode.
  • Catholicism - Religion discussed in relation to pardons and afterlife.
  • Zoroastrianism - Religion mentioned in the context of exploring different faiths.
  • Sufism - Religious practice mentioned in the context of exploring different faiths.
  • Amish - Religious group mentioned in the context of exploring different faiths.
  • Mardi Gras - Mentioned as a comparison to January 6th by Eagle Ed Martin.
  • Crypto - Digital currency, mentioned in relation to the crypto industry and CZ.
  • Doge - Cryptocurrency, mentioned in relation to Elon Musk.
  • Pardon Economy - Concept of lawyers and lobbyists profiting from seeking pardons.
  • Build the Wall - Fundraising campaign, mentioned in relation to Steve Bannon.
  • Politically Motivated Prosecutions - Concept discussed in relation to pardons.
  • Lawfare - Mentioned in relation to Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman.
  • D.C. Gulag - Term used to describe the prison system for January 6th defendants.
  • The Bed of Nails Theory - Mentioned in relation to the number of counts in legal cases.
  • The Cottage Industry - Mentioned in relation to the pardon process.
  • The Judas Department - Metaphorical term used in the episode.
  • The Narthex - Term used in Catholic theology, compared to an anti-chamber.
  • The Kaushee Sponsorship - Mentioned as a sponsorship.
  • The Cz Thing - Refers to the pardon of Changpeng Zhao.
  • The Biden Witch Hunt - Term used by Donald Trump regarding CZ's case.
  • The Swamp - Colloquial term for Washington D.C.
  • The Hell on a Helicopter - Mentioned in relation to a January 6th board game.
  • The Shaman - Refers to Jacob Chansley, a January 6th participant.
  • Proud Boy - Political organization, mentioned in relation to January 6th.
  • The Little Old Lady with the Flag - Mentioned as a character in a January 6th board game.
  • Capital Police - Mentioned as a role in a January 6th board game.
  • The Judas Department - Metaphorical term used in the episode.
  • The Narthex - Term used in Catholic theology, compared to an anti-chamber.
  • The Kaushee Sponsorship - Mentioned as a sponsorship.
  • The Cz Thing - Refers to the pardon of Changpeng Zhao.
  • The Biden Witch Hunt - Term used by Donald Trump regarding CZ's case.
  • The Swamp - Colloquial term for Washington D.C.
  • The Hell on a Helicopter - Mentioned in relation to a January 6th board game.
  • The Shaman - Refers to Jacob Chansley, a January 6th participant.
  • Proud Boy - Political organization, mentioned in relation to January 6th.
  • The Little Old Lady with the Flag - Mentioned as a character in a January 6th board game.
  • Capital Police - Mentioned as a role in a January 6th board game.
  • The Narthex - Term used in Catholic theology, compared to an anti-chamber.
  • The Kaushee Sponsorship - Mentioned as a sponsorship.
  • The Cz Thing - Refers to the pardon of Changpeng Zhao.
  • The Biden Witch Hunt - Term used by Donald Trump regarding CZ's case.
  • The Swamp - Colloquial term for Washington D.C.
  • The Hell on a Helicopter - Mentioned in relation to a January 6th board game.
  • The Shaman - Refers

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