Donald Trump’s freshly appointed pardon chief, Ed Martin, has wasted no time diving into his role.
In just his first few days, Martin has been deeply involved in helping Trump grant clemency to some pretty high-profile figures.
It’s clear that this pardoning season is going to be quite eventful.
Stewart Rhodes’ Pardon Under Serious Consideration
One of the most talked-about names in the mix is Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers.
Martin personally reviewed Rhodes’ pardon application, and reports suggest that the president is seriously weighing the idea of wiping Rhodes’ criminal record clean.
Remember, Rhodes was convicted for seditious conspiracy linked to the January 6 Capitol attack and handed an 18-year prison sentence.
This move, if it happens, could stir up plenty of debate.
Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley Get a Second Chance
In another surprise, Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV couple famous from Chrisley Knows Best.
The Chrisleys were sentenced in 2022 after being convicted for submitting false documents to secure over $30 million in fraudulent loans.
Their prison terms were lengthy—Julie was set to serve until 2028 in Kentucky, and Todd until 2032 in Florida.
Trump personally called their daughter from the Oval Office to deliver the unexpected news, a moment that’s already grabbing headlines.
First Pardoning Win for Ed Martin with Scott Jenkins
Ed Martin’s first successful recommendation came on Monday with a pardon for Scott Jenkins, the former Virginia sheriff.
Jenkins was convicted on federal bribery charges and was scheduled to begin a 10-year prison sentence this week.
Trump took to social media to declare that Jenkins and his family had been “dragged through hell,” insisting that Jenkins would not be going to jail but instead having “a wonderful and productive life.”
This pardon marks Martin’s influence early in the administration’s clemency decisions.
Elon Musk Calls Out Trump’s Spending Bill
Meanwhile, tensions are flaring outside the pardon office.
Elon Musk, once considered Trump’s close ally, has publicly criticized the president for supporting a $3.8 trillion tax and spending bill.
Musk says the bill undermines his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut down on federal spending.
The tech billionaire’s “bromance” with Trump seems to be on shaky ground after he left the administration.
Musk voiced his frustration during a press conference before the latest SpaceX Starship launch, making clear his disappointment with the new spending plan.
What’s Next in Trump’s Clemency Moves?
With Ed Martin steering the pardon process, Trump’s clemency decisions are drawing lots of attention and sparking strong reactions from supporters and critics alike.
From controversial political figures to celebrity beneficiaries, it’s clear this wave of pardons will continue to be a hot topic in the months ahead.