Trump pardons and commutations: Notable acts of clemency in his second term

Published December 3, 2025 11:30am ET



Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has utilized pardons and commutations to address what he has deemed injustices dealt by the justice system.

A pardon essentially forgives a crime and its consequences — a conviction is wiped from the person’s criminal record, and they no longer have to serve a sentence for it. Conversely, a commutation reduces the sentence but doesn’t exonerate the person of a crime.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.