Trump allies ‘paid to lobby for pardons’

A lucrative market has emerged for presidential pardons and clemency, with associates of Donald Trump being paid to lobby on individuals’ behalf, according to the New York Times.

Thousands of dollars have changed hands according to documents filed by lobbyists to Congress.

While there is no suggestion of illegality, the allegations will be embarrassing for Trump, who promised to ‘‘drain the swamp’’ in Washington. Details of the alleged cash for clemency emerged amid speculation that Trump is seeking a pardon for himself and family members after leaving office. Some of those facing charges for the attack on the Capitol have also said they will seek a presidential pardon – a move opposed by Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump.

The president has announced several pardons for allies including Paul Manafort, his former presidential campaign chairman, Michael Flynn, his former National Security Adviser, and Roger Stone, a former adviser.

There is no suggestion that they paid anybody to intercede on their behalf. But it is alleged that others who have received pardons were aided by lobbyists, including Charles Kushner, the father of the president’s son-inlaw, Jared, who had been convicted for tax evasion, witness tampering and campaign finance violations.

According to a statement from the White House, his plea was supported by Brett Tolman, a former US district attorney in Utah, and Matt Schlapp of the American Conservative Union.

They succeeded in persuading the president that Kushner’s record of philanthropy, since his release from prison, overshadowed his earlier conviction.

Tolman also lobbied on behalf of Mark Shapiro and Irving Stitsky, real estate developers who were serving 85-year jail terms after their company crashed costing their investors millions. – Telegraph Group