During tRump's impeachment hearings, the main justification for his quid pro quo on aid to Ukraine was the Republican's insistence that tRump was trying to root out corruption, despite all evidence to the contrary. Yesterday, he further destroyed all notions of being "anti-corruption" when he
pardoned 11 convicted criminals, all of whose crimes reflect a part of tRump's unsavory character: Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Michael Milken, Ariel Friedler, Bernard Kerik, Paul Pogue, David Safavian, and Angela Stanton.
In addition, President Trump signed Executive Grants of Clemency granting commutations to Rod Blagojevich, Tynice Nichole Hall, Crystal Munoz, and Judith Negron.
Some of these names are instantly recognizable; others are more obscure (although
someone in the tRump "administration" knows who they are and likely lobbied on their behalf). Let's take a look...
Edward DeBartolo, Jr.: He was convicted of
failing to report a felony when former Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards requested a bribe for a riverboat gambling license DeBartolo wanted.
Michael Milken: Although no longer in jail for insider trading, tRump
pardoned him anyway.
Ariel Friedler: Convicted of trying to break into competitors computers, served 2 months in jail
Bernard Kerik: Scumbag former NYPD police commissioner was convicted of tax fraud for accepting bribes from organized crime
Paul Pogue: He got 3 years probation and payed a fine for underpaying his income taxes. Coincidentally, he also donated $11K to Rick Santorum's campaign, who lobbied on Pogue's behalf.
David Safavian: He was tied into the Jack Abramoff corruption scandal, and spent a year in prison.
Angela Stanton: Involved in a stolen car ring, plus embezzlement and theft.
Rod Blagojevich: Blaggo
tried to sell the empty Senate seat vacated when Barack Obama became president.
Tynice Nichole Hall: This was one that I'll agree with. She was convicted of allowing her boyfriend to sell drugs out of her house (even though she didn't participate), and served 14 years of an 18 year sentence.
Crystal Munoz: Another heavy drug-related penalty, this time for selling weed. She served 12 years in prison.
Judith Negron: Convicted for
bilking Medicare for $205M, she was found guilty of 24 felony counts. She was sentenced to 35 years.
It's an odd assortment. A few had already served their terms, so what's the point? Some are convicted of crimes tRump has likely committed and can identify with. All but two didn't deserve it.