Democrats investigate alleged ‘pay-to-play’ pardon scheme in Trump White House

Published May 7, 2026 11:09am ET | Updated May 7, 2026 11:09am ET



Congressional Democrats on Thursday revealed they are investigating whether corruption has played a role in President Donald Trump’s pardon process. 

Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Reps. Dave Min (D-CA) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) sent a letter to more than a dozen recipients of executive clemency requesting details about Trump’s move to pardon them by May 22, according to CBS News.

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