Trump Rejected Nearly 6,000 Clemency Applications Amid Hope of Pardon Wave
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-20 21:58:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Denies Nearly 6,000 Clemency Applications, Prioritizes Allies and Donors
President Trump recently denied nearly 6,000 clemency applications from individuals who largely lacked political connections, while continuing a pattern of granting pardons and commutations to allies and donors who bypassed the traditional process. This move came after his administration had raised hopes that he might mark the country’s semiquincentennial with a sweeping round of clemency, potentially benefiting as many as 250 people. That expectation went unfulfilled, with Trump ultimately issuing fewer than 20 pardons on July 3, mostly to Clean Air Act violators and a political donor.
Lack of Transparency and Traditional Process
The denials were communicated in a letter from Ed Martin, the U.S. pardon attorney, to federal prosecutors. The letter did not clarify whether Trump personally reviewed the applications or simply allowed the attorney general’s recommendations to stand. A White House official, speaking anonymously, insisted there was never a formal plan to issue 250 pardons for July 4, describing it as an idea floated by staff. The official emphasized that Trump makes the final decision on all clemency matters.
Contrasting Approaches to Clemency
While presidents have broad authority to grant or deny clemency, Trump’s approach has notably diverged from the Justice Department’s established process for vetting applications. Instead, his clemency decisions have disproportionately favored political allies, supporters—including nearly 1,600 people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack—and those able to hire influential lobbyists or lawyers. Trump has pushed back against the suggestion that pardons are being brokered for money.
Unfulfilled Promises and Disappointment
In recent months, Trump’s team indicated plans to consider less-connected clemency candidates in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. However, many of those who followed the official process and demonstrated rehabilitation remain denied or in limbo. Mark Osler, a law professor whose students submitted applications, noted that several were among those rejected, calling the process discouraging and unfair to those who have worked to turn their lives around.
Conclusion
Trump’s record on clemency continues to draw criticism for favoring insiders and donors over ordinary applicants, despite public signals of broader relief. The latest wave of denials underscores the administration’s departure from established review procedures and leaves thousands of petitioners waiting for a second chance that may never come.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/us/politics/trump-rejected-clemency-applications.html