Congress Launches Investigation Into Trump Pardons Amid Allegations of Corruption and Pay-to-Play

Congress is cracking open a fresh investigation into the Trump administration’s use of presidential pardons and commutations, focusing on 17 individuals whose clemency raises serious questions about corruption and pay-to-play politics. Spearheaded by California Representatives Dave Min and Raul Ruiz alongside Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, the bicameral inquiry aims to expose whether these acts of clemency were wielded as political favors rather than acts of justice.

“Executive clemency has historically been an act of grace in the interest of justice and public welfare,” the lawmakers stated in a joint release Thursday. “But it cannot become a tool for political favoritism, corruption, or pay-to-play dealings.” They emphasized that as public trust in institutions erodes, Congress must ensure no one, including a sitting president, is above accountability.

The investigation centers on pardons and commutations granted under circumstances that demand further scrutiny. Unlike President Biden, who erased less than $700,000 in financial penalties through pardons, Trump’s clemency wiped out nearly $2 billion in court-ordered payments during his first term alone, according to the California Governor’s Office. This staggering figure raises alarms about the motives behind these decisions.

Among those under the microscope is Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corporation, convicted of securities and wire fraud. Milton was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay $1 million in fines plus $661 million in restitution to defrauded investors. Yet, before a restitution hearing could proceed, Trump granted him a full pardon. Notably, Milton and his wife donated approximately $1.8 million to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign just a month before the pardon was issued.

Another case is Lawrence S. Duran, who orchestrated a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme exploiting vulnerable patients. Sentenced to 50 years and ordered to pay over $87 million in restitution, Duran’s sentence was commuted by Trump in May 2025. Jason Galanis, convicted of multiple fraud schemes involving market manipulation and defrauding a Native American tribal entity, also received clemency despite owing over $84 million in restitution.

Congress’ letters to these 17 individuals demand detailed disclosures about their clemency requests, the players involved, and whether any payments or favors influenced the outcomes. Recipients must respond by May 22.

This investigation exposes a disturbing pattern of Trump’s pardon power being used not to serve justice, but to reward loyalty and erase financial accountability for wealthy and politically connected criminals. It underscores the urgent need for oversight to protect the integrity of the justice system and prevent executive clemency from becoming a tool of corruption. We will be watching closely as this story unfolds.