Washington ,May 29(HS): President Donald Trump announced a new series of pardons on wednesday which included individuals such as a former congressman from New York, a governor from Connecticut, and the rapper known as NBA YoungBoy, among others. These pardons reflect Mr. Trump's inclination to forgive high-profile Republicans, supporters, donors, and friends, influenced by the guidance of Alice Marie Johnson, who he appointed as his pardon czar following her own pardon in 2020.
Alice Marie Johnson was sentenced in 1996 for her involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation in Memphis, enduring a life sentence until Trump commuted it in 2018, thanks to intervention from celebrity Kim Kardashian West. Johnson later spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention and was subsequently pardoned by Trump, leading to her new role managing pardons.
Among those pardoned in the recent batch was Kentrell Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy. Gaulden had been sentenced to nearly two years in prison in 2024 for gun-related offenses and acknowledged his illegal possession of firearms despite having a felony record. He also pleaded guilty to involvement in a prescription drug fraud case in Utah. His pardon was confirmed by White House officials and he expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist.” Gaulden emphasized that the pardon opened new opportunities for him.
Throughout the week, Trump has been proactive in issuing high-profile pardons. Notably, video footage revealed Alice Marie Johnson in the Oval Office on May 27, 2025, during a call to inform the daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, that her parents were also being pardoned. The Chrisleys faced convictions for conspiring to defraud banks in Atlanta out of more than $30 million utilizing falsified documents, which they argued was a case of unfair treatment. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has remained vocal about the perceived injustice against her parents.
Overall, Trump's latest pardons are indicative of his continued approach to utilize clemency as a tool for political allies and high-profile figures, often influenced by his close associates and their networks.
The story revolves around Julie and Todd Chrisley, reality TV stars known for their lavish lifestyle portrayed in the series Chrisley Knows Best. However, the couple faced serious legal issues when they were convicted of conspiring to defraud numerous banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million by submitting false documents. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been vocal about her belief that her parents were treated unfairly, even speaking at the Republican convention last summer to share this sentiment.
On May 28, 2025, amidst the backdrop of ongoing clemency discussions, former President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, a notorious former Chicago gang leader serving a life sentence. Hoover’s criminal history dates back to 1973 when he was first imprisoned for murder, and he was later convicted in 1998 for running a criminal enterprise. Recently, he had sought a reduced sentence, claiming to have renounced his past.
President Trump also pardoned several other individuals, including James Callahan, a New York union leader who admitted to failing to disclose $315,000 in gifts from an advertising firm and was on the verge of sentencing. Another notable pardon was given to former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, who had served as governor from 1995 to 2004 and faced 30 months in federal prison for hiding his involvement in federal election campaigns.
Additionally, Trump's clemency actions included pardoning Michael Grimm, a Republican from New York who resigned from Congress after being found guilty of tax fraud. Despite his legal troubles, Grimm managed to win reelection in 2014 but later stepped down after serving eight months in prison. Tragically, he was left paralyzed from the chest down following an accident during a polo tournament.
Trump's clemency efforts also extended to Army Lt. Mark Bradshaw, convicted in 2022 for reporting to work without having undergone a COVID-19 test. The Chrisleys’ legal saga remains a significant distraction from their celebrity status, as they confront the ramifications of their actions, while Savannah Chrisley expressed eagerness to reconnect with her father during a planned family gathering to celebrate missed milestones, emphasizing their determination to make up for lost time together.
Trump asserted that the Chrisleys had endured pretty harsh treatment, underlining the broad pardon powers granted to presidents and noting that such clemency decisions are not subject to reversal by courts or other officials.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
