Pardons for donors and their families

What happened

Trevor Milton, convicted of defrauding investors, had given $1.8 million with his wife to Trump's campaign. Paul Walczak was pardoned three weeks after his mother attended a $1 million-a-plate Mar-a-Lago dinner. Banker Julio Herrera Velutini was pardoned after his daughter gave $3.5 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC. Adam Kidan was pardoned on July 3, 2026, three days after donating to a vulnerable GOP incumbent, likely wiping out much of the $21 million in restitution he owed.

Where it stands

Pardons are legal. Congressional Democrats sent letters to 17 clemency recipients asking whether money or lobbyists were involved.

The administration's side

The White House says Trump exercised his constitutional authority and points to Biden's pardons of his own family.

Sources

• The Hill via Rep. Dave Min
• The Bulwark
• AP via The Vindicator
• Truthout