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President Trump’s latest wave of pardons includes a woman previously commuted, a health executive, and a former Puerto Rico governor among 22 clemency actions issued this week.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has issued 21 pardons and commutations in recent days, continuing a pattern of using his clemency powers to undo high-profile federal prosecutions and aid individuals connected to political supporters.
The White House announced 13 pardons and eight sentence commutations on Thursday, followed by an additional pardon on Friday for Terren Peizer, a healthcare executive who had been sentenced to 42 months in prison and fined $5.25 million for insider trading. Federal prosecutors had accused Peizer, who headed Miami-based health company Ontrak, of an insider trading scheme that helped him avoid more than $12.5 million in losses.
Among those receiving clemency was Adriana Camberos, who had previously been granted a commutation by Trump near the end of his first term in 2021. Camberos had been convicted as part of a scheme to divert 5-Hour Energy drinks intended for Mexico, attaching counterfeit labels and filling bottles with fake liquid before selling them in the U.S.
Her pardon comes despite a subsequent conviction in 2024, when she and her brother Andres were found guilty in a separate fraud case. Prosecutors said the siblings lied to manufacturers to purchase wholesale groceries at substantial discounts by claiming the products were meant for sale in Mexico or to rehabilitation facilities, then sold them at higher prices to U.S. distributors.
Former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez also received a pardon after pleading guilty last August to a campaign finance violation in a federal case that involved a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker. Vázquez had been awaiting sentencing later this month, with prosecutors seeking a one-year prison term.
The case has drawn scrutiny because Isabela Herrera, daughter of banker Julio Herrera Velutini who was also implicated in the case, donated $2.5 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC in 2024 and an additional $1 million last summer. Former FBI agent Mark Rossini, the third defendant in the case, was also pardoned.
These pardons come amid a broader overhaul of the Justice Department under Trump’s second administration. The president recently fired the department’s pardon attorney, part of what critics describe as an effort to erode public integrity guardrails within the federal justice system.
The recent clemency actions follow earlier controversial pardons issued during Trump’s second term, including for Democratic former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and Republican ex-Connecticut Governor John Rowland, both of whom had been imprisoned on corruption charges.
Trump also pardoned former U.S. Representative Michael Grimm, a New York Republican who resigned from Congress following a tax fraud conviction and once threatened to throw a reporter off a Capitol balcony. Reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion, were similarly granted clemency.
In a move that later caused the president public frustration, Trump pardoned Texas Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar in a bribery and conspiracy case. Trump subsequently expressed regret when Cuellar announced his intention to seek reelection without switching to the Republican Party.
The steady stream of pardons reflects Trump’s willingness to use his clemency powers broadly during his second term, often targeting cases that were once highlighted by federal prosecutors as important wins against white-collar crime, political corruption, and fraud.
Legal experts note that while presidential pardon power is virtually unlimited, the recent pattern raises questions about the selective application of justice and potential connections between political support and clemency decisions.
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6 Comments
The pardon of Adriana Camberos, who had previously received a commutation, is an interesting case. I’d be curious to learn more about the specific factors that led to this additional clemency action and whether it sets a precedent for similar situations.
Yes, the repeated clemency for Camberos is noteworthy. It will be important to understand the reasoning and potential implications, as consistency in the application of justice is a key principle.
Interesting to see Trump continue issuing pardons, even for cases connected to his supporters. It raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the clemency process. I’m curious to learn more about the specific details and rationale behind these latest decisions.
Agreed, the use of presidential pardons is a complex and often controversial issue. It will be important to closely examine the details and potential impacts of these latest actions.
The pardon of the healthcare executive convicted of insider trading is particularly noteworthy. While it’s important to consider individual circumstances, cases like this can erode public trust in the system if they appear to benefit the well-connected.
Good point. Selective use of pardons, especially for white-collar crimes, can create perceptions of a two-tier justice system. Transparency around the decision-making process is crucial.