Trump also pardoned HDR Global Trading Ltd., the parent company of BitMEX, and several of its founders after the firm’s conviction for Bank Secrecy Act violations. The decision was widely seen as a boost to Trump’s growing crypto empire. BitMEX had been one of the first exchanges to list Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin and World Liberty’s WLFI token.
Celebrities, Former Politicians, and Political Supporters
The latest pardons extended to reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, convicted of tax fraud, whose daughter, Savannah, spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Trump.
Other beneficiaries include Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor and “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant, and Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder championed by Libertarian groups.
Former Nevada politician Michelle Fiore, ex-Rep. Michael Grimm and several Jan. 6 rioters also received clemency. As one Justice Department official put it, “This second-term wave of pardons reinforces Trump’s message—loyalty is rewarded.”
A Pattern in Trump Announced Pardons
While Trump’s actions have reignited controversy, they follow a long tradition of presidents granting clemency to allies. Critics note, however, that Trump’s latest round stands out for its scale, timing, and self-interested undertones.
