Democrats in the United States Senate and House of Representatives have opened an investigation into the beneficiaries of President Trump’s pardons to determine whether they fall within the “pay to play” dynamic.
For the uninitiated, “pay to play” refers to a system in which individuals or companies make large donations to political campaigns or officials to receive preferential treatment, government contracts, or, in some cases, special access, effectively jeopardizing public offices.
Letters sent to executive clemency recipients by California Congressmen Dave Min and Raúl Ruiz, as well as Vermont Senator Peter Welch, sought information about how the recipients could have received favorable treatment.
The documents obtained by CBS News They claim President Trump’s pardons are depriving victims of compensation and justice. Prominent clemency recipients include cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao, nursing home operator Joseph Schwartz, and businessman Trevor Milton.
- Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering
- Joseph Schwartz was convicted of tax crimes
- Trevor Milton was convicted of lying to an investor and sentenced to four years in prison
The letters maintain that Trump’s pardon goes against the principles established by the United States Supreme Court on clemency: an act of grace exercised for the public welfare.
House Democrats sought information about donations and financial transactions made by pardon recipients to lawyers, lobbyists, social media influencers and others who advocated on their behalf to Trump.
Currently, Democrats lack subpoena power and can only request the cooperation of pardon recipients because they are in the minority in both the House and Senate.
