Democrats Probe Trump Pardons for Financial Influence

Congressional Democrats led by Representatives Dave Min and Raul Ruiz of California and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont have launched an investigation into whether President Donald Trump's pardons and commutations were influenced by financial contributions, lobbying efforts, or other forms of advocacy.

The lawmakers sent letters Thursday to more than a dozen recipients of executive clemency, requesting records including contracts for payments to lawyers, lobbyists, and social media influencers; communications with federal officials; and donations to Trump or affiliated groups. Responses are due by May 22.

Among those contacted are cryptocurrency executive Changpeng Zhao, pardoned after pleading guilty to money laundering; entrepreneur Trevor Milton, pardoned following a four-year sentence for securities and wire fraud related to his electric truck company Nikola; nursing home operator Joseph Schwartz, pardoned after a guilty plea in a $38 million tax fraud scheme; healthcare executive Paul Walczak, pardoned for tax evasion; and real estate developer Timothy Leiweke, pardoned after a conviction for contract bid rigging. Others include former healthcare executive Lawrence Duran,...