United States Senate and House Democrats have opened an investigation into the beneficiaries of President Trump’s pardons to determine whether they fall under the “pay-to-play” dynamics.
For the unversed, “pay-to-play” refers to a system in which individuals or companies make heavy donations to political campaigns or officials to receive preferential treatment, government contracts, or in some cases special access, effectively jeopardizing the public offices.
The letters sent to recipients of executive clemency by California Congressmen Dave Min and Raul Ruiz, as well as Vermont Senator Peter Welch, sought information about how the beneficiaries might have received the favourable treatment.
The documents obtained by CBS News state that pardons by President Trump are depriving victims of compensation and justice. The most prominent clemency receivers include, cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao, nursing home operator Joseph Schwartz and entrepreneur Trevor Milton.
- Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering
- Joseph Schwartz was convicted of tax crimes
- Trevor Milton was convicted of lying to investor and sentenced to four years in prison
The letters argue that Trump’s pardon goes against the principles set by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding clemency: an act of grace exercised for public welfare.
House Democrats sought information regarding the donations and financial transactions made by the clemency recipients to lawyers, lobbyists, social media influencers and others who advocated on their behalf before Trump.
Democrats currently lack the power of subpoena and can only request cooperation from the pardon recipients, due to being in minority in both the House and the Senate.
