- White House officials are reportedly discussing a proposal for President Donald Trump to issue a sweeping round of "250 pardons for 250 years" around the Fourth of July, coinciding with America's semiquincentennial.
- Advisers are divided on the plan, with some believing it could enhance the GOP president's image as "merciful," while others fear it might further lower his approval ratings.
- The proposal has not yet been presented to Trump, and a White House official stated that specific individuals like Low Taek Jho, Pras Michel and Nicole Daedone are not currently on the pardon team's radar.
- The administration has reportedly bypassed the traditional Justice Department pardon process, instead relying on an informal group of White House mediators and political allies.
- This informal system has flooded attorneys and lobbyists with requests, with reports of fees as high as $2 million to advocate for clemency.
IN FULL
