WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President Donald Trump’s recent wave of pardons is drawing national attention and sparking fresh debate.
Among the latest to receive clemency are reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted for bank fraud, and several individuals jailed for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot.
On Tuesday, Trump personally called the Chrisleys’ children to inform them their parents would be released. The couple’s daughter had endorsed Trump during last year’s Republican National Convention.
“I heard they’re terrific,” the president said of the family.
Meanwhile, Trump has confirmed he is considering pardons for Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox two men found guilty in 2022 of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020.
At the time, authorities said the plan was an attempt to incite civil war in the lead-up to the election. Trump expressed doubts about the verdict, calling it “somewhat of a railroad job” and adding, “it’s been brought to my attention.”
Since his return to office, Trump has issued dozens of pardons, including for people convicted in connection to the January 6 Capitol attack. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who accuse the president of abusing his clemency powers.
One particularly controversial pardon was for Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins. A jury convicted Jenkins last year of accepting more than $75,000 in bribes, and he was sentenced to ten years in March.
Trump defended the move, saying Jenkins was a victim of what he called an “overzealous Biden Department of Justice.”
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia called the pardon “a slap in the face.”
Gov. Whitmer has made two public appearances alongside President Trump since his return to the White House. Her office has not responded to a request for comment.
Although more people were implicated in the Whitmer kidnapping plot, only Croft and Fox received federal sentences, which makes them eligible for presidential pardons. Trump has not indicated when a final decision on their cases will be made.
In a statement, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) said, “I’m deeply disturbed President Trump is considering pardoning the men convicted of conspiring to kidnap Governor Whitmer. I would want anyone who tried to hurt the president, or worse, tried to assassinate him, to be held accountable. Those who tried to harm the governor must be held accountable as well, not released to do further harm to her or anyone else.”
As Trump continues to wield his pardon powers, critics argue it’s part of a broader effort to reward political allies and undermine institutions. Supporters claim he is correcting what they see as political overreach by the previous administration.
