The current administration under President Trump has restructured its approach to pardons, transforming it into a profit-driven machine that appears willing to offer pardons to a wide variety of individuals, regardless of the severity of their crimes or public perception. This overwhelming flow of troubling news aligns with Steve Bannon’s ”
Flood the Zone” strategy, designed to saturate the headlines.
While I touched on this issue briefly in my previous coverage, the relentless tide of pardons shows no signs of slowing down, prompting me to address it once again. To make this information easier to digest, I’ll break down this complex array of events into more manageable segments, although readers may find themselves frustrated by what they learn.
We’ll explore a particularly alarming story, before shifting to the silver lining—how one notorious law firm is facing backlash. Following that, we will analyze the broader implications of these pardons, concluding with a comprehensive table featuring some individuals who have benefited from this pay-for-pardon system.
Noteworthy Cases
A recent dramatic incident demonstrates the culture surrounding Trump 2.0. A lawyer named Joshua Nass, aged 34, was allegedly involved in an extortion scheme over a purported $500,000 fee, reportedly dispatching an enforcer to intimidate the son of a client,
Joseph Schwartz.
Another Trump Pardon:
- Nursing home owner Joseph Schwartz was convicted for a $39 million fraud, yet received a pardon from President Trump just three months into his three-year sentence.
- Concerning Trends: Schwartz is among several nursing home operators convicted of various crimes who have received clemency from Trump.
- Victimized Families: Families of patients from Schwartz’s nursing homes have won millions in lawsuits, but have struggled to collect any compensation from him.
To delve deeper into Schwartz’s case and what transpired, it’s crucial to note that the circumstances surrounding a patient’s death led to legal action against both him and his facility, notably amid claims of cost-cutting that compromised care. Although a judge awarded nearly $19 million in damages in 2020, these families have been unable to recover anything, as Schwartz had by that time divested himself of all assets.
In total, Schwartz faced serious legal repercussions, including a plea deal regarding a $39 million payroll tax scheme. However, after serving only three months of his sentence, he was pardoned.
Given this backdrop, it can be hard to summon sympathy for individuals enmeshed in these situations. Take Nass, the alleged extortionist, who had entered a contract to lobby for payment. When the son of the client asked for a payment plan, Nass reportedly considered it an “insult” and discussed various illicit ways to enforce payment, including the potential for physical harm.
The Positive Side of Trump’s Actions
In more uplifting news, one law firm seems to be experiencing the consequences of their actions. JM Burkman & Associates, spotlighted recently on
60 Minutes, has made headlines for their dubious dealings, including representing clients who felt misled by their promises of presidential pardons.
Notably, rapper Boosie Badazz (real name Torrance Hatch) had paid them $600,000 in hopes of receiving clemency, which he did not obtain, leading to further disputes about the firm’s integrity.
In a statement regarding his situation, Boosie voiced his frustration over how his case was portrayed in brief television coverage despite the significant details and injustices he felt were overlooked by the media.
This case underlines a recurring theme in how the U.S. judicial system interacts with its Black citizens, especially in the realm of performance artistry.
Returning to 60 Minutes, their investigative piece titled “How pardon brokers determine their prices.” reveals troubling behaviors and practices among those vying for presidential pardons.
The accompanying CBS News report succinctly summarized the dubious activities surrounding some brokers like Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, who were profiting off this new industry of clemency lobbying.
Burkman explained the necessity of applying pressure from numerous avenues to influence the president’s decisions, reflecting a profound moral decay in the system.
Assessing the Situation
Despite the absurdity of these circumstances, people are calling attention to the worrisome normalization of such behavior. Alice Marie Johnson, a pardon recipient herself, shared her gratitude for recent clemencies, but this led to sharp criticisms about the transparency or lack thereof surrounding many of these pardons.
Yesterday was a powerful day for second chances. I am deeply grateful to President @RealDonaldTrump for granting clemency and pardons to 30 deserving individuals…
Critics, including former DOJ officials like Liz Oyer, have raised alarm about the secrecy enveloping the pardon process. They argue that this lack of transparency undermines the integrity of the pardon power, leading to chaos and potential corruption.
The difficulties faced during previous administrations have also evolved, highlighting how the current resurgence in clandestine pardons has soured a process intended for justice.
A Closer Look at Cash for Clemency
Reports indicate that the traditional guidelines governing the pardon process have become increasingly lax, transforming it into a lucrative opportunity for those with resources to seek clemency. NPR outlined that lobbyists and advocates are now earning exorbitant fees for their services—far from the established procedures we once knew.
They noted that while some individuals have always sought counsel, the absurd sums now associated with obtaining a pardon are unprecedented. Figures can range up to $5 million.
Data from investigations shows a stark contrast between second-term pardons and those under previous administrations, revealing a troubling trend that raises ethical concerns.
To visualize these instances, I’ve created a table outlining some notable cases among those pursuing clemency:
| Broker | Outfit | Disclosed fee | Known clients/results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Burkman & Jacob Wohl | JM Burkman & Associates | $3.2M in 2025 | Schwartz ($960K, pardoned); Boosie ($600K, no pardon) |
| Ches McDowell | Checkmate Government Relations | $450K/mo | Binance/Zhao — pardoned |
| Fr. Frank Mann | Retired Queens priest | $2.5M | David Gentile — commuted |
| Keith Schiller | Trump’s ex-bodyguard | $1M | Fred Daibes — contracted for “executive relief” |
The normalization of these practices underscores a deeper issue within our system that has likely persisted for years, yet Trump’s approach highlights these problems in extreme relief. As we move forward, it’s essential to scrutinize these developments and demand accountability.
In summary, the landscape surrounding presidential pardons has undeniably shifted toward a model that privileges wealth and connections over justice. With ongoing investigations and public discourse, it remains to be seen how this will evolve in the future.
Stay informed and engaged!
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