The Trump White House is considering a proposal to commemorate America’s 250th birthday by issuing as many as 250 presidential pardons, a plan that has reportedly set off an intense wave of lobbying from convicted defendants seeking clemency.
According to The Atlantic, the proposal—described internally as “250 pardons for 250 years”—is under discussion ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. As of last week, however, President Donald Trump had not yet been formally presented with the plan, and it remains uncertain whether it will ultimately move forward.
The report said administration advisers are divided over whether such a broad use of presidential clemency would provide a political advantage or instead create political challenges.
Even without a final decision, news of the possible initiative has reportedly triggered a surge of activity among attorneys and lobbyists representing individuals hoping to receive pardons.
One criminal-defense attorney described the situation to The Atlantic as “a three-ring circus,” while a former Trump administration official characterized the lobbying campaign as “batsh*t crazy.”
Lawyers and lobbyists told the publication they have been flooded with inquiries from prospective clients looking to position themselves for clemency if the proposal is approved.
One attorney said the level of interest has been unlike anything experienced during decades of legal practice.
“In 30 years of practicing law, I’ve never seen anything like this,” the lawyer said. “I’m exhausted.”
Supporters of the proposal within Trump’s orbit reportedly believe the initiative would reinforce the president’s image as a leader willing to extend mercy while connecting the nation’s Independence Day celebrations with efforts they describe as correcting overly harsh criminal punishments and addressing what they view as the “weaponization” of the justice system under previous Democratic administrations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the administration’s clemency process in comments to The Atlantic, though she did not specifically discuss the reported proposal.
“President Trump takes his absolute constitutional power to issue pardons and commutations seriously,” Leavitt said.
She added that requests undergo an extensive review before reaching the president.
“That’s why we have a rigorous review process involving the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel’s Office – a team of elite lawyers who carefully evaluate every request before it reaches the President’s desk, and he serves as the final decision maker,” Leavitt said.
The report identified several individuals who are reportedly being discussed as possible candidates for clemency should the proposal move ahead. Among them are Malaysian financier Jho Low, also known as Low Taek Jho, who is wanted in connection with the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal; former Fugees member Pras Michel, who was convicted in an alleged lobbying scheme tied to Jho Low; and OneTaste co-founder Nicole Daedone, who was sentenced in a forced-labor conspiracy case.
When asked about the reports, the Department of Justice emphasized that the president has the final authority over pardon decisions.
“Anyone is eligible to apply for a pardon and POTUS is the ultimate decider,” the department said.
Trump has made extensive use of his constitutional clemency powers during his second term. At the beginning of his current administration, he issued pardons or commuted the sentences of nearly 1,600 people connected to the January 6 Capitol riot, making it one of the most significant uses of presidential clemency early in his presidency.
