President Donald Trump made headlines in 2025 for granting clemency to figures he considered victims of an unfair justice system. Some pardons reflected his interest in cryptocurrency or connections to his 2020 election grievances. Others arose from personal interactions, such as a round of golf at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump’s 2025 clemency decisions stood out for their scale and deal-making style, a hallmark of his approach to power.
Mass Clemency for Jan. 6 Defendants
On his first day in office, Trump pardoned nearly all supporters convicted of federal crimes tied to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. About 1,600 people faced charges. The DOJ secured convictions or guilty pleas for over 1,200, including more than 200 defendants convicted of felony assaults on law enforcement.
Trump commuted the sentences of 14 high-profile defendants, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. He also directed the DOJ to drop all remaining cases. This move ended one of the DOJ’s largest and most resource-intensive law enforcement operations in history, which had spanned the Biden administration.
High-Profile Individual Pardons
Changpeng Zhao
The former Binance CEO, convicted of anti-money laundering violations, received a full pardon in October. The decision followed an introduction to Trump by Donald Trump Jr. during a Charlie Kirk memorial. Critics noted Binance’s ties to Trump family ventures, but lawyers said the pardon aimed purely for justice.
George Santos
Santos, the former New York congressman, had his seven-year prison sentence for fraud and identity-theft charges commuted. Trump said Santos endured harsh jail conditions, including long stretches in solitary confinement. Local Republicans criticized the move as unfair to those Santos defrauded.
Tim Leiweke
Leiweke, a sports executive, faced antitrust charges over an arena bid at the University of Texas. Former Rep. Trey Gowdy convinced Trump to pardon Leiweke after a golf outing.
Juan Orlando Hernandez
The former Honduran president, convicted in the U.S. for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, received a pardon in December. Trump claimed Hernandez faced unfair prosecution. Critics argued the decision undermined efforts to fight drug trafficking.
Todd and Julie Chrisley
The reality TV couple, convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion, received pardons in May. Trump cited their harsh treatment in prison. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, supported Trump during the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Devon Archer
Archer, convicted of federal fraud and a former business partner of Hunter Biden, received a full pardon in March. He later supported House Republicans investigating Biden’s foreign business dealings.
Henry Cuellar and his wife
The Texas congressman and his wife faced federal bribery charges. Trump pardoned them, arguing they were unfairly targeted for Cuellar’s moderate border security positions.
Tina Peters
The former Colorado elections clerk, serving nine years for a data-breach scheme linked to 2020 election fraud claims, received a pardon in December.
