Trump’s Pardons: Political Loyalty or Transactional Power?

Donald Trump’s use of pardons has been a key part of his presidency. Recently, however, his decisions show that these pardons are more than just political moves—they are also transactional.

Trump’s latest pardons were given to 77 people involved in trying to overturn the 2020 election. Among them were close allies like Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Mark Meadows. Many of these people weren’t facing federal charges, but their actions in the “fake electors” plot were controversial. The message is clear: Trump is rewarding those who supported him, even when their actions were legally questionable.

This pattern is nothing new. Throughout his time in office, Trump granted pardons to over 1,650 people. More than 84% of these pardons went to people with close ties to him or his administration. Many of them took part in illegal activities, including those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Trump’s pardons are not just about rewarding loyalty. They are a way to make sure his allies remain loyal in the future. By offering legal protection, Trump encourages people to help him, knowing they will be shielded from the law.

But these pardons raise concerns. Critics argue that Trump is using his power for personal gain, blurring the lines between his official duties and his own interests. Instead of serving the public, these pardons seem aimed at protecting those who helped him, even when they broke the law.

In the end, Trump’s pardons show a clear strategy: they are about loyalty, protection, and securing his own interests. They are political, yes—but they are also deeply transactional.